You are here:

Auto Insurance Claims/rear ended while stopped at a light

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/30/2008


Question
I was rear ended while stopped at a light when a truck hit the car behind me and that car hit my car.  My car was fixed for $11,000 by my insurance company although the Truck’s insurance company totaled my car and paid my car insurance the money.
Total medical bills are over $3,000 from X-rays, medicine and for treatment from a chiropractor. I had to stop treatment because I maxed out my PIP. I missed 3 working days.
"What would be a fair request for pain and suffering?
The insurance company is offering $8,000. Is that a good amount?
I still need treatment and my back does hurt.

Thank you and thank you for this great service!!!


Answer
Normally, the rule of thumb is that you should not settle an injury claim until you have completed treatment and healed.  This is because you don't know what your medical expenses will be.  If you have health insurance, you can continue the treatment through them.

If you choose to settle now, based on what we know at this point, I think a fair settlement is in the range of $8000-$10000.

So I would try to negotiate a little more out of them, but if push comes to shove, the offer is fair.

Auto Insurance Claims

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Claims Guy

Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.