Auto Insurance Claims: Claim Settlement, lower back pain, favorable feedback

Question
I just wanted to keep you apprised of the claim situation.

First of all, I fully understand that your replies are just suggestions and I do not consider them to be the final answer for me. I take full responsibility for whatever decisions I make regarding this claim.

With that being said, I counter offered with an amount of $200 less, but they, of course, rejected it. I wanted to ask you, and I think I know the answer to this, but is it their job to make you feel like an idiot for asking "so much over the medical cost."? What would the proper response be to use when they ask you to justify your amount. I thought that was covered under 'pain and suffering', but they don't seem to accept that. Just thought I'd ask.
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Just to ensure that I'm clear on your advice; since I had originally asked for $3,400, are you suggesting that that I counter with an amount of $150 - $200 lower, i.e., $3,200? Also, I have given you very favorable feedback regarding your response. Thanks so much.
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Thank you for your prompt reply. Having no prior experience with handling a claim on my own, are there increments that are normally sought when counter offering? I think what I'm trying to find out is, how will I know that their offer is final?
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Without the assistance of an attorney, I filed an auto accident claim against USAA after I experienced lower back pain after being rear-ended. My medical expenses totaled $873 and I asked for $3,400, but they are only offering me $1,400. I based my settlement sum on a previous claim against Geico about two years ago where my med bills were $1,200 and the insurance company paid $3,900, with the assistance of an attorney. USAA has examined the medical records from the previous claim, but those records indicate that my primary injuries were my neck and middle back area, not my lower back. USAA has said that their offer is fair and if I can't justify any loss wages or any additional medical treatment they see no reason to offer me more money. Should I keep counter-offering?
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Hi Rick,

Absolutely you should keep negotiating.  The insurance company does not care about you. All they want to do is to close the file as cheaply as possible. Force them to keep the file open, counter offer, and you should end up with a higher settlement.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
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Hi Rick,

Since you are dealing with a relatively small claim, you should move in very small increments. Perhaps only $150.00 to $200.00 at a time. You will know when you have pushed them as far as you can. They usually will tell you this is there final offer when they are tired of dealing with you.  When this happens, push them one more time with a counter off just to be sure they were serious.

Good Luck!
Richard Hixenbaugh
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Hi Rick,

Yes. That is what I meant, however, the amount you lower your demand is up to you.  If you feel that a drop of $500.00 would be better then by all means do so. I was only making a suggestion.

And thank you very much for your kind words. I appreciate it.

Good Luck.
Richard Hixenbaugh  

Answer
Hi Rick,

Basically, it is the job of the insurance adjuster to make you go away with as little as possible. As part of this process, they may try to make you look like an idiot, make you feel ashamed that you are even asking for the money, tell you you are not entitled, tell you that they don't pay for this or that, etc.

When talkiing to the insurance adjuster you should elaborate on your pain and suffering. Tell him/her about your pains, headaches, sleepless nights, inability to perform hosehold duties, etc.  Also in order to limit your aggrivation, you should do all of this in writing and demand that they only correspond with you in writing.

The only thing you can be sure of is that if claims adjuster is talking, it is costing you money.  This is why most people who have injuries hire an attorney. It saves a lot of agrivation.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh