What is a Fair Settlement Amount?

[emilyrose2424]

Hi everyone, Im new here, thanks in advance for any tips! Here is my story -

Exactly one month ago (Day before easter) I was in an auto accident on my way to work. I have a perfect driving record...Other driver admitted to running a red light causing my car to be totalled. When the airbag deployed it smashed up my right thumb and index finger. It hurt extremely bad, was very swollen, and purple. I went to the doctor that day and they took xrays. No fractures or anything luckily. It has been one month and we have not settled yet as the insurance agent wanted me to wait till the pain ended. They have completely taken care of the car and now I am concerned on how much is fair to ask for in regards to my injury. i guess it is called, "pain and suffering?"

I work in a restaurant and my hands are obviously very much required. I missed one week of serving during a holiday (waiters make more during holidays).

My thumb still hurts a lot even though is it much better than the first two weeks. My nail is most likely going to fall off (it makes a funny clicking noise when wiggled) I struggled to button pants, write, work, etc for the first three weeks. Now I am able to do all of those things, but with some discomfort. At times i still experience intense shoots of pain in my thumb.

The insurance agent told me that they are not responsible to pay for my medical bills, which shocked me. She said that my insurance is supposed to cover my own personal injuries... i do not want to put a claim in with my company because of my record. So i have not returned to the doctor since and intend to pay out of pocket...

Any advice? I am horribly new to this world of auto claims. I do not care about getting everything I can, but i do want to be treated fairly.

 

[rudy323]

Talk to a personal injury lawyer(they are all over TV), the insurance company is looking out for themselves only, the less you claim the more they keep,

and don't be afraid to goto the Doctors, that IS WHAT insurance is for, to protect you ... you don't want to be 3 years down the line with a back injury or you lose movement of your fingers because you didn't get checked out

 

[AutoInsuranceExperts]

You live in Washington state, correct? If so, I don't believe WA is a no-fault state. This matters as in a no-fault state, typically you won't have a claim for general damages or pain and suffering but would have a PIP claim if you have that coverage.

If WA is not a no-fault state and the other insurance company is denying your injury claim, it may be a good idea to consult an attorney. It shouldn't be too hard to find an attorney that will provide a no-cost consult...

 

[M Gen]

See a lawyer immediately. They're not going to charge you unless they win anyway so you have nothing to lose.