Auto Insurance Claims: Wreck, grandfather was the driver, rib pain

Question
I was in a wreck (my grandfather was the driver). I was in passenger seat. A SUV ran into our car hitting passenger side (door) where I was at. I ended up having bad pain and end up going to urgent care for rib pain on the right. I was placed on loratab and ibropfen 600 mg by doctor and six wks restrictions. I am doing better but still have pain when trying lay down at night and getting up. Wreck was Dec 22. Anyways I was contacted by the lady (SUV) insurance today and they recorded phone convo with me in regards to making a $500 settlement with me, which I thought would be ok? But, I have since got ahold of my grandfather to find out the insurance company did not talk to him as they claimed on the phone. He told me not to sign the release forms.  Leads to question - Do I have to do the $500 settlement even if they have the phone conversation? They emailed me the release forms but I have not signed nor returned them to her yet. I was in great amount of pain but it has got better than was, and first wreck I've been in.

Thanks, Tiffany

Answer
Tiffany,

You don't have to accept the settlement.  It is very, very low.  They are trying to railroad you into accepting their low-ball offer.  

I typically get tens of thousands of dollars on a case that involves fractured ribs (which it sounds like you have).

Don't sign the papers and don't speak to them any more.

I'd find an attorney you can trust and give the case to him or her to handle.  You will end up with a fair amount of money for your injuries instead of a sleazy low-ball offer by an adjuster who's just out to hurt you.

Best regards,

Ernest Ferraro
http://www.ferrarofirm.com