Auto Insurance Claims: 2 accidents in 3 months., pinched nerve, first insurance

Question
Hi Bennie, Thank you for answering my previous question.  I have had a couple of things come up so I will refresh your memory. My husband and I were in an accident on 11/30, significant car damage. I had a pinched nerve in my neck and have received treatment.  My last treatment was 2/8.  I was going to wait a while before settling to see if the epidural i received worked.  On 3/4 I was  hit on the highway going to work. My van was totaled and I was taken to the ER. Again the accident was not my fault however I have an injury claim open.  The first insurance company has been calling and pressuring me to settle the first claim.  If I had not had this 2nd accident I would have been done with treatment. My question is should I settle with the first company at this time.  The injuries are the in similar places however this I am in much more pain then I was after the first accident.  Thank you for all of your advice and wisdom! I am located in Iowa.

Answer
Hi Jan,
This is going to be a hard decision for you to make.  If you settle for the first injury, the second company will learn all the circumstances of that accident and reduce their offer due to pre- existing injuries.  Even if you don't settle the first claim, they will learn of it and attribute as much of your injury as possible to the first accident.
I can't advise you which way to handle this.  It has to be your decision.
Sincerely,
Bennie