Auto Insurance Claims: Auto accident, having a hard time getting things settled, torn rotator cuff, brand new car

Question
Hello,

I was in an auto accident on 11-15-10..  I was at a stop light in a left turn lane and the responsible party was speeding traveling in the lane next to me and felt that their breaks were stuck by her floormatt. She looked down then saw she was going to hit me and let go of the wheel and let it happen (her words) she hit the corner right side of my car and punted me into another lane and to the side of the road.  

Once I got checked out I had possible torn rotator cuff and pretty much everywhere in my body hurt. My car was totaled and i was off work for two months. My arm wasn't torn but it pops in and out and I am still treating it with a pt.  

My insurance has been paying my medical and they paid my wage loss for the two months.


I also hired a care giver for one week to help me since I couldn't take care of even the smallest of tasks.

I have had a hard time getting answers from the responsible parties insurance which is farmers. I have had my insurance send my medical bills to him and he still says he hasn't received them.

Really I want to know should I havelawyer ? I know there are different types of settlements and I wanted mine to include allowing me to still get treated for my arm after I settle. Also since my car was total I was left with no transportation as it was a brand new car it paid the bal of the loan and that was all.

I also missed out on Christmas and thanksgiving my nieces bday and had to cancel my wedding. I did get married just a diff date and no guests we got married in a rose garden on a shoe string basically. Not the big wedding we had planned.

Given the details do I need a lawyer? Is my claim worth anything?

I also live in Oregon btw

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Yes, Yes and Yes. You should run, not walk to obtain an attorney as soon as possible. You should not trust this or any insurance company to do the right thing. They will do or say anything to trick you into accepting less than you are entitles to.

You should interview at least 3 attornies. Make sure you learn as much about them and their practice as possible. Don't call the ones that advertise on TV or have full page ads in the phone book. Make sure they will be willing to take your case to court if necessary. Make sure they are a pit bull willing to bite if necessary.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh