Auto Insurance Claims: Head On Collision/Sternum Fracture, lateral fracture, air bubbles

Question
Hello, on October 22 I was in a high speed head on collision. A pickup truck towing a trailer with a construction bobcat lost control, crossed the median at almost a right angle into oncoming lanes of traffic and began to roll. The at fault driver received two citations. One involved improper brakes/safety equipment on a towed trailer. The other was failure to control speed. Five cars were involved altogether. My car was a total loss.

I have a lateral fracture of the sternum near my right sternoclavicular joint. I also had a chest contusion, some substernal bleeding and some air bubbles behind the sternum and in both sternoclavicular joints. This has been very painful when I cough or sneeze. I will have a  bump there which will be permanent and not hidden behind a shirt collar. My medical bills are about $7000 so far for two ER visits. Due to the negligence involved, high speed head on collision, fracture and permanent bump what multiple of the medical would be appropriate in this situation? I would want what others have gotten in similar circumstances, no more no less. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Mark,

I'm sorry for your situation.

Injury settlements are ultimately based on negotiation. Considering your description of your injuries I would say that a starting point would be 6 to 7 times the medicals. The insurance company will likely try to low ball you. Hence the negotiation. It will require several rounds of back and forth letters that could take several months. If you find you are not getting anywhere, you may want to consider discussing your claim with an attorney.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh