Expert: Bennie719 - 12/22/2007

Question
My 16 year old son was hit head on by a driver who admitted fault.  My son was hospitalized for 16 days and 6 surgeries to a broken leg and compartment syndrome with skin graphs.  I was recently widowed and self-employed and now taking care of him now that he is home.  The at-fault driver has 100,000 for bodily injury and my son's medical bills have already exhausted that amount - do I need any attourney?

Answer
********************* FOLLOW UP *************************
Hi Laura,
Although I stated that your claim can be handled without an attorney, I do feel that you need assistance.
Please respond to the questions that I presented.
Mark your follow up as PRIVATE, that way it will not be published and I will be the only person able to read it.
I do feel that with 43 years experience, I can be of help to you.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area


Hi Laura,
I'm sorry to hear of your son's serious injuries and do wish him a full recovery.
No, you do not need an attorney.  This is something that you can easily settle yourself for the full $100,000.
An attorney would charge you 1/3 of the settlement for handling the case, so why waste needed money.
Please look at your own policy and see how much coverage you carry for Underinsured Motorists Coverage.  You may have an additional claim against your own company.
Also let me know the name of your insurance company, your state of residence, how many cars that you had insured on the policy before the accident and if the accident occurred in a state other than your home state.
I will be able to advise you on how to settle this claim.
I hope this has been of help, please continue to send me questions as they arise.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 12-21-07 6:18 PM PST