QuestionI was in a car accident and i was the passenger...the driver had insurance and the insurance company said they would pay my medicasl bills...but i was wondering if i'll get any cash or anything?
AnswerDear Chris,
The insurance compay may or may not cover all of your damages, depending upon whether or not their insured was negligent.
If your driver was not negligent, then his company will pay only up to the limits of his PIP or Med/Pay first party insurance. This will cover your medical costs, plus some part of your lost wages (after two consecutive weeks off work).
You would have to look to the tortfeasor to get compensation for your general damages.
If your driver was negligent, then his company must pay both your special damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) AND general damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.).
Here are some webpages with basic information about the tort system and how to present your own insurance injury claim.
Overview Tort Law Personal Injury Legal Claims http://www.settlementcentral.com/page3000.htm
It is NEVER TOO LATE TO REPORT PERSONAL INJURIES FROM A CAR ACCIDENT http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0104.htm
Managing Medical Care After Auto Accident: http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0203.htm
"No medicine: no money"; medical costs increase value of personal injury claims http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0045.htm
Without having to join my website, I have given a lot of free information on handling insurance claims without having to join as a member. Read the module at "5 Easy Steps to Do-it-Yourself Insurance Claim Settlement" http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0102.htm
FINAL TOPIC: Effective communication with insurance claims adjusters. Establish Firm, Professional, and Positive Relationships With the Insurance Injury Claims Adjuster http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0059.htm
Always communicate with the adjuster in writing, showing your own analysis of value. It is OK I guess to have one call or so, but no more. Always have your information and ammunition in writing to give to the adjuster.
Let him know that you are FIRM IN YOUR RESOLVE to get what you are demanding (NOT "asking", since that invites a counter-offer, but instead "demanding" as fair and reasonable compensation) by asking him what the options are to resolve the matter fairly should he not agree to a reasonable claim value. In other words, let him know that you will go through with a court filing if need be.
Remember these tips, do your homework, print out your evidence, show resolve to get your fair settlement, and you will DO JUST FINE.
I trust that my extra time here has produced some information that has been of value to you, and thus I would respectfully request that you take the time to locate the feedback form on this site and leave some feedback for me.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
http://www.SettlementCentral.Com
