Personal Injury Advice?

[CowboyMcCoy]

Anyone have any experience with this? I'm somewhat knowledgeable about some areas of law, but not really personal injury-even though I did receive $176,000 settlement at one point for a separate issue.

Background, I was in an automobile accident. It was a minor to moderate impact wreck. I have a pre-existing condition. The insurance company offered to pay $1,350 and give me $350 (insulting) and set aside the other $1,000 for medical bills.

I went to the chiropractor today and that will not even come close to covering my medical bills down the long run. The problem is, I want the money now to pay off a debt with my school and finish my degree. I don't owe much, but I got myself in a bit of financial trouble about a year ago. Money is tight, et cetera.

I talked to the claims adjuster last week. She said for me to go to the doctor and then she would call me next week. So, I went to the doctor, got x-rayed and had an adjustment by the chiropractor.

Aren't I entitled to the money they are "setting aside" for medical bills, as well as pain and suffering?

Also, what can I do to get the number up and have them settle soon?

Bear in mind, time is important to me as well. So I'd like to settle next time they call, but I'd like to double or triple that number as well as have the money for myself, so I can pay the doctor with the money they gave me, etc..

You get the point...

Any advice from board lawyers out there?

Theo, peppy? Anyone else? I'm not taking input here as legal advice. If I wanted that, I'd hire a lawyer.

Also, PMs are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[CashMan]

My wife was hit by a drunk driver, like 7yrs ago, took almost 3-4yrs to get a couple thousand out of it. She has no serious injury, but will probably go to the chiropractor for a while. I doubt you are going to get a payday out of it.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Originally Posted by CashMan

My wife was hit by a drunk driver, like 7yrs ago, took almost 3-4yrs to get a couple thousand out of it. She has no serious injury, but will probably go to the chiropractor for a while. I doubt you are going to get a payday out of it.

They already made an offer. I forgot to add I have a preexisting spondylolisthesis....

[rynochop]

Minor to mod impact, that's a pretty standard offer. And no your not entitled to the money for the future treatment you would receive.

You'll get more with an attorney, but that could depend on what kind of venue you.re in. Bottom line is u wont get much more out of them on your own. Drag it out a few weeks and they'll increase it some just cause they want it closed.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Originally Posted by rynochop

Minor to mod impact, that's a pretty standard offer. And no your not entitled to the money for the future treatment you would receive.

You'll get more with an attorney, but that could depend on what kind of venue you.re in. Bottom line is u wont get much more out of them on your own. Drag it out a few weeks and they'll increase it some just cause they want it closed.

You an attorney or work for insurance companies?

Well, I already have a Texas Super Lawyer ready to sue them. I'm currently using him for a separate case. My thinking is they may want to settle to my satisfaction to avoid paying their own defense attorney and having to deal with my guy, who is no slouch at all. The problem is, I just don't want to wait. But if I do, I definitely know they'll be paying more....

Also, they offered me 350 for pain and suffering...you're saying I'm not entitled to the $1,000 for the medical costs...not that I'd take that amount, but is that what you're saying?

[rynochop]

You have a lifetime of paying car insurance, they'll get it back from u eventually

[CowboyMcCoy]

Originally Posted by rynochop

You have a lifetime of paying car insurance, they'll get it back from u eventually

True.

[rynochop]

Originally Posted by CowboyMcCoy

You an attorney or work for insurance companies?

Well, I already have a Texas Super Lawyer ready to sue them. I'm currently using him for a separate case. My thinking is they may want to settle to my satisfaction to avoid paying their own defense attorney and having to deal with my guy, who is no slouch at all. The problem is, I just don't want to wait. But if I do, I definitely know they'll be paying more....

Also, they offered me 350 for pain and suffering...you're saying I'm not entitled to the $1,000 for the medical costs...not that I'd take that amount, but is that what you're saying?

Was in ins. Yeah, the $1000 is for future paymnts they.ll pay to the provider.

No offense but this must have been a very minor accident for 350/1000 offer. We offered that on bumper hits when everyone knows nobody was hurt.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Originally Posted by rynochop

Was in ins. Yeah, the $1000 is for future paymnts they.ll pay to the provider.

No offense but this must have been a very minor accident for 350/1000 offer. We offered that on bumper hits when everyone knows nobody was hurt.

Not so much, really. I feel this is a lowball offer. My back is killing me. I haven't had back problems in years until now.

They can either pay it to me, or they can hire their own attorney. That's the way I see it. Was it an awful wreck? No, but it certainly jarred the heck out of my back!

Advice on dealing with the adjuster?

[Eskimo]

Originally Posted by CowboyMcCoy

Not so much, really. I feel this is a lowball offer. My back is killing me. I haven't had back problems in years until now.

They can either pay it to me, or they can hire their own attorney. That's the way I see it. Was it an awful wreck? No, but it certainly jarred the heck out of my back!

Advice on dealing with the adjuster?

If you are really hurt that bad and the issue is not settling down there is no point in settling early.

You started off with a somewhat unstable back with your spondylolisthesis so it is not surprising at all that you may suffer more problems from what seems like a minor accident than the average person.

I think you should not settle if the injury may have some impact on your long-term earning potential - those are major dollars.

Many things that people expect to settle down quickly don't. You need to bear that in mind with regards to the urge to get a quick settlement to pay off a smallish debt.

[rynochop]

Originally Posted by CowboyMcCoy

Not so much, really. I feel this is a lowball offer. My back is killing me. I haven't had back problems in years until now.

They can either pay it to me, or they can hire their own attorney. That's the way I see it. Was it an awful wreck? No, but it certainly jarred the heck out of my back!

Advice on dealing with the adjuster?

Not really, id be firm but not a jerk. If they're at all rude, I'd as ask for a manager, and only deal with him.her.
If your looking for a pay day, go ahead with an attrny. Soft tissue injury just isn't gonna win u the lottery.