Auto Insurance Claims: Settlement/Claim Advice, visible scar, personal injury claim

Question
Hi Richard,
You have been very helpful to me in the past and I value your sound advice. Here's my situation.
I am using my own Unisured Motorist coverage from a hit and run accident....There is NO PiP (I was on my motorcycle). I have been using my own private Med Ins. to seek medical attention for my injuries. (ER, stitches, semi-major dental work), which is going fine.  
My question is, from the botched stitch job I received in ER, I now have a raised visible scar above my lip. Nothing major, but enough to easily cut my self every morning shaving.  I also am unable to grow my mustache back due to the scar.  To remove the scar, the Plastic Surgeon wants $3000. (Not covered under my Medical plan). I do not want to put this kind of money out if they're is NO chance of recovering the money. (Claim adjuster said "nothing is guarunteed--they will REVEIW claim, THEN make a decision of ANY settlement".
Question, would it be to my advantage financially to settle my claim living with a permanent scar,then possibly getting the surgery later on my own or biting the bullet, spending my money and getting the surgery first to add to my personal injury claim?

Finally, if I should not be happy with the settlement, what's the "industry standard" for a counter offer with a demand letter? (There is NO attorney involved) Do insurance companies usually give a low 1st settlement offer and
expect customers to counter-offer ?

Again, thank you...
Mickey

Answer
Hi Mickey,

The decision to live with or repair the scar is a personal decision. With permanant scaring on the face your claim will be worth more depending on the location and how noticable it is.

When contemplating a settlement, you should take into consideration all current and potential future medical costs, including the cost of the plastic surgery. Be sure to take good photos of the scar to submit to the insurance company.

You should not rely on the insurance company to make you an offer that you will then have to counter-offer. You will need to research the potential value of your claim, write a demand letter and submit your entire package of medical bills, medical records and your demand for payment all at one time.  A general rule of thumb for the value of a claim is 3 to 10 times the total of all of the medical expenses (current & future).  The value of your claim will fall in that range depending on the total nature of your injuries, the length of your treatment and potential future treatment or surgery.

You may want to speak to an attorney who may be able to give you a range on the value of your claim. You also may want to hire an attorney to actually handle the valuation and settlement of your claim.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh