Auto Insurance Claims: UIM policy, nutshell version, 13 stitches

Question
Mr. Hixembaugh,
In April 2006 I was in a car crash.  I was the back seat passenger, my buddy was driving.  We had been drinking, he was arrested for DUI.  I suffered from a severe concussion, had 13 stitches in my chin and had a contusion on my right knee.  I had over $32,000 in medical bills from that night.  I have since paid about another $3,000 out of pocket.  My buddy had a 15/30 policy, in which I was awarded $15,000.  Because of collection agencies calling me trying to collect, I hired a Lawyer, who got my bills down to $8000.  I have a $100,000 UIM policy.  I've found through research that a UIM policy typically pays out between 2 and 3 times the amount of medical bills.  My question is...would it be 2 or 3 times the $32,000 bill, or the $8000 bill.  I don't want to be unreasonable with my own Insurance Company, I just want to be reimbursed for time missed from work, and pain and suffering for myself and my family.  This is the nutshell version.  I'd be happy to answer any further questions you may have.  Thanks in advance for your expert opinion.
Doug

Answer
Hi Doug,

Generally speaking, if the medical bills were reduced and the providers accepted a lower amount, your claim would be based on the lower amount. It is as if that was the amount of your medical bills. If the attorney who got your bills reduced is representing you for the UIM claim he should be able to answer any questions you have regarding the value of your claim and how it would be applied.

Generally your total settlement would be 2 to 5 times the medical bills. If the bills are now considered to be $8,000.00 and you already collected $15,000.00 you have already collected almost 2 times the medical bills. Your insurance company will take this into consideration.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh