Auto Insurance Claims: Serious accident, other driver uninsured, soft tissue damage, uninsured motorist claims

Question
Dear Richard,
A few weeks ago I was involved in a very serious accident in which I was rear-ended on a major highway, forced up onto the guardrail for 50 feet, then dropped 60 feet, landing on my roof on another highway below. My passenger and myself were extricated in approx. 1/2 hour and taken to a nearby trauma center where we spent the next 2 days. There was no insurance on the vehicle that struck us, and the driver and owner were issued multiple summons.

So far my insurance company has been great to deal with: fair and prompt payment for my vehicle (minus the deductible), all medical bills will be paid by them (policy limits 100k/300k). Although I am nowhere near ready to settle the personal injury/pain and suffering part of my claim, their bodily injury adjustor for uninsured motorist claims(policy limits 100k/300k stacked - 2 vehicles) contacted me to let me know that they have opened a claim on my behalf.  She advised that at the end of my medical treatment she will be making an offer based on total medical bills.  My medical bills, due mostly to the trauma center, are already at $60,000 and climbing. Amazingly, my most serious injuries are fractured arm, torn cartilage and soft tissue damage in knee, typical neck and back sprains, numerous stitches to my head, and severe concussion for which i am still unable to drive 4 weeks later.  My question is, do you think that the typical multiplier for pain and suffering of between 2 and 5 would apply in a case like mine (very high medical bills)?  Policy limits due to stacking would be $200K, does anybody ever get policy limits?

I appreciate your time and expertise! Thanks!

Answer
Hi Liz,

Absolutely, people do get policy limits when the situation warrants.  I would suggest that you check out a website that will allow you to sign up for free, enter all of your information regarding treatment, costs, auto damage, lost wages, days in the hospital, etc. and will provide you with a rough calculation of the value of your claim.

The website is:   collisionwizard.bbbvideo.com (do not enter www. first)

The website is free and was produced for the better business bureau video series, hence the web address. The site even has claim demand letters and forms to help you organize and present your claim.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh