Car accident attorney?
By lisado
@lisado (1227)
United States
March 2, 2007 7:47am CST
We had a car accident at the end of August. I was the only one hurt, but it required that I repeat a surgery that I had had in July (tore a repaired hernia open again). The insurance company has been good so far, but we are supposed to disuss a settlement for pain and suffering within the next few days.
They finally got all of my medical information from the hospital and doctors. I couldn't get in to have surgery until the beginning of November as that was the soonest they could get to it. We have a special needs child, an infant (born the end of April) and no family in the area to help. My husband had to take off of work for all appoinments because I wasn't supposed to lift more than 5 lbs, which our infant was past, especially when in his car seat. He also had to take off 6 days while I recovered. He is active duty military, so he didn't lose pay for taking off of work, but they threw a fit since I had to go to so many appointments and he had to keep taking off. They really made his life difficult during those almost 2 1/2 months. He did have to take leave (vacation) for the 6 days he took off for my surgery, which meant we couldn't visit family as long as we usually do at Christmas since he had to use almost a week for this surgery.
I guess I'm a little nervous about going into this without an attorney? I know it can be done without, which is what I would rather do, but I don't want to get the shaft, either. I asked if there was some kind of formula that they used and the lady said no, that it was "subjective" depending on your circumstances, which we made sure they knew about. I have no idea what would be reasonable? They already fixed my SUV, so that isn't an issue. They are paying all medical bills, as well. This is just pain and suffering.
Has anyone else go to bat with an isurance company like this without an attorney? What happened? Did they try to shaft you or did they make you a fair offer? What do you consider "fair"?
2 people like this
5 responses
@Dennisbecker01 (13)
• Chennai, India
25 Oct 13
You can get the compensation for your pain and suffering only with the help a car accident attorney. He will help you to go through all the legal formalities involved in the accident. Proper documentation and evidences are very important in these compensation claim cases. You can’t easily provide the perfect documents and the evidences unless you have years of experience in the field. Also you may not be aware of all the laws and rules of the state. The laws differ by regions and only experienced car accident attorney would be aware of these laws. I found this lawyer in my search, . You can also try out his legal service if you want any compensation from a opposition.
@ShadyGrove (996)
• United States
3 Mar 07
I would get a consultation with an attorney. They know all the legal ins and outs and can deal with things more effectively than you can.
They may take a cut, but if they take the case you will not have to pay anything up front - only if they win - and if they take the case I think they know they are going to come out with money.
@kareng (59161)
• United States
2 Mar 07
I think you would get more with an attorney. They are going to think this will be an easy case, cut and dry if you go in there alone. I suppose you can reject the offer and send it back to them but I'm assuming they would start out with a much higher offer if you had the attorney. He could also advise you how much to expect. A consultation is free, I would schedule one.
My case years ago was cut and dry because there was a limited number of finds available from the other parties insurance. He was at fault and killed in the accident so the insurance was all that was availabe and it had to be split by the 4 people in the car.
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Loss of Companionship is one of the bigest money makers in the world of settlements. Face it, in that two month span you weren't able to enjoy life or the companionship with your husband or children - at least not to the extent that you had in the past.
Find someone with a good reputation or ask around if anyone worked with someone in a similar situation in your area. Someone working pro bono is going to be ruthless but you'll have to kick up about 50% of what you get - that's why they go after everything they can.
I sued two people and both resulted in me being awarded some cash. The lawyer I used was a friend but we kept our personal and professional lives separated.
Good luck with this.