Is This Settlement Offer Fair?

by Conquer1 » Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:01 pm

I was rear-ended in my car while sitting at a stop light. The other car was going about 35-40 mph and ran right into my car. It has been determined that the other driver has no insurance, and that my uninsured motorists portion of my policy is handling the claim.

My company has already deemed my vehicle ('97 Honda Accord) a total loss, and paid me for the vehicle.

I was knocked unconscious at the scene (also awakened at the scene), taken to the ER where I was diagnosed with a concussion, neck sprain, and back sprain.

The accident happened in October of this year, and I haven't received any more treatment, as I feel reasonably well.

My total medical bills are about $3600. I also missed a week of work, and about $1000 in lost wages. The liability adjuster has offered me the $3600 for medical bills and $1500 for "inconvenience", for a total of $5100.

She says that she's not considering the $1000 in lost wages separately because there's not a "statement of disability" from the ER Dr. saying that I should miss a week of work.

This is her first offer, and I have not countered with any amount. Is her offer of reasonable, or should I ask for more? And if so, what are some thoughts on how much?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Total Comments: 12

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 07:00 am Post Subject:

Well, you might need to speak to the senior of the adjuster and express your dissatisfaction over the issue. At times the adjusters are difficult to deal with, but you shouldn't give-up your dues. Next time speak to the adjuster firmly but politely and stick to your points.

One more thing, you can't be forced to accept a claim amount which isn't justified. If you feel that you may need medical help in the future and the treatment for the injuries may extend, you may wish to wait for the time period before closing the claim.

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 10:54 am Post Subject:

part of the lost wages

huh? They either owe them all or they don't if you have a docs excuse saying you are to be off a week and then prove your income she HAS to pay it all..what's this 'part' crap?

she included part of the lost wages in the $1500, although she's not saying how much.

Well she has to tell you if you ask...idiots... :twisted: :twisted: what state are you in? I think that 1k - 1500 is a fair amount for your pain and suffering, BUT that doesn't include your loss of wages...and what I think really doesn't matter too much, what you think is important...just remember before running off to an attorney, that you will have to get her to pay a full third more to be just where you are now! I personally would call her again, and ask her point blank, ''First you say you did not consider ANY of my lost wages because I had no proof, NOW you are saying that you included ''some'' of my unsubstantiated loss wages but you won't tell me why or how much? I want to know how much of this 1500 you are attributing to loss wages that you first said you wouldn't pay any of...And further, because I want to make sure I'm totally understanding you. Are you actually telling me that if I have a doctors note stating that I was not to return to work for a week that you will not pay the full amount of income I lost? Is that what you are saying?" Then ask for all of this IN WRITING...

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