QuestionHi,
I was hit by someone about a month ago on the highway. My boyfriend was driving my car (he had permission from my parents--the car is under their name). My car is completely totalled (it hit the cement median dividing the highway), but luckily my boyfriend and I don't seem to have any major injuries thus far. His wrist was swollen after the accident and I had a mild concussion from either hitting the passenger side window or pillar. The other party admitted total fault, so right now I'm trying to work with the other party's insurance.
I was told the other party is paying for a minimum plan, so we had to go through my insurance company to get compensation for my totalled car. However, the other party's insurance company is now trying to settle with me in terms of medical bills and insurance compensation (and also trying to settle with my boyfriend). For me, they initially offered $1000 and then $750 for any medical treatment I've had from the accident up until now (I've only gone to see the chiropractor twice), and then another $750 for medical treatment for until a month from now. They refused to compensate me for the classes I had to miss teaching (I work part-time and am self-employed teaching--that was $200 that week) because since I am paid directly by the people I teach they said they can't pay me because taxes aren't directly taken out of my payment.
I also heard that some medical conditions may flair up 2-3 months after an accident, so I am not really sure that this one-month time limit for any more treatment is fair, as well as giving me only $750, especially after I've had to deal with the inconvenience of a mild concussion (which was VERY bad given the fact I had three exams and two performances coming up soon after the accident).
Is $1000 a fair settlement? I've been told otherwise by people, and if it is not, what would be reasonable for me to receive/ask for? Also, what should my boyfriend receive/ask for? He was also told $1200, (the extra $200 because he had to miss class to meet with the insurance agent), and then coverage of his medical bills which included an xray on his wrist.
Thank you very much!
AnswerSophia,
I don't know what your injuries are so it's hard to value the claim. However, I don't think $1,000 is a fair settlement given what little I know about the situation.
Head injuries can be very tricky to diagnose and can have a huge impact on your life down the road. They are also very valuable if it's found that they are serious and have affected your cognitive abilities (memory, auditory processing, etc.). But you need to see a neurological specialist that focuses on cognitive deficits in the brain.
Anyway, without more information and without a diagnosis of your injuries I can't really give you a valuation. I do know that you should go to a doctor that specializes in head injuries and get yourself checked out BEFORE you sign a release or settle the claim.
Best regards,
Ernest Ferraro
