Auto Insurance Claims: Auto insurance claim, auto insurance claim, litigator

Question
I was hit at an intersection last July, totaled my car for which the other driver's insurance has paid.  I have gone through 6 months of medical and physical therapy treatments for a back injury incurred in the accident.  Never had back issues before, still have pain but doctors and physical therapist say that there is much more to be accomplished by further treatment.  Received a settlement offer today that just about covers the $10k medical expenses.  Never considered such a low-ball offer.  Reading this site and others it would appear that 2 to 5 times medical expenses is an appropriate settlement.  I have carefully documented all expenses, medical reports and communications which I supplied to the adjuster.  Before I hire an attorney do you have any suggestions as to how to conduct negotiation in this matter.

Answer
Hi Tom,

I expounded earlier today to someone that appeared to be trying to settle their own injury claim.

You can not use the "average" figures at 2-5 times the actual amount. Insurance companies will not pay you that amount.

It is the same thing as figuring that you will get the huge amount of settlement or jury verdict without the use as an expert like me in an auto theft claim denial and an attorney. We are responsible for the big bucks for our client because the attorney is a better litigator than the other side has and I am far more knowledgable in auto theft than the so-called certified forensic locksmiths.

Granted, both the use of an attorneys and an expert are expensive, but if you are to speak average, the average is that if you use an attorney, even after paying the attorney, the award is most likely going to be higher.

Insurance companies will low ball. They know that you do not stand a chance in court alone.

I suggest you quit screwing around and trying to handle this yourself and get an attorney. Otherwise, you won't get anywhere near a fair settlement.

Rob