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About Richard Hixenbaugh
Expertise
Auto insurance claims procedure, auto coverage, liability issues, auto damage questions, how to deal with the insurance company, loss of use and diminished value.

Experience
I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 20 years. I have experience in underwriting, sales, claims adjusting, auto damage estimating, auto value appraising and diminished value appraising. I have testified as an expert witness over 10 times.

Education/Credentials
Completed all required courses for the Florida Property-Casualty agents license and the Florida claims adjusters license. I have attended various courses on auto damage estmating, vehicle appraising and am ASE certified in collision damage analysis.

Past/Present clients
My company has done work for consumers nationwide.

You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Insurance > Auto Insurance Claims > Bike accident

Auto Insurance Claims - Bike accident

Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 11/6/2009

Question
I was on my bicycle riding in town when I was hit by a car turning left. The driver did not see me and it was completely his fault.
I have a fractured lower leg and have to use crutches for at least a month.
-I am a student who goes to a university and cannot climb the stairs to my dorm (there is no elevator either) Therefore I must commute to class everyday yet still pay a huge room and board fee.
-I cannot work at the grocery store I work at part time (about $150 a week)
My first question is: am I eligible for compensation from either or both of these problems?
How do I go about filing a claim? Must I go through legal action or will the driver's insurance (state farm) cover this?

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Bryan,

Yes. You are entitled to compensation for both of these issues. You should contact the state farm adjuster and inform them that you want to be compensated for lost wages as well as your dorm cost. Unfortunately, they will not pay these items as they are incurred. There will be a one time lump sum settlement once all of your treatment is completed that will include your medical bills, lost wages, dorm cost and pain & suffering. You should expect that the adjuster will try to low-ball you on all of these items. They do not care about you or your problems. There job is to try close the file and settle with you for as little as possible. If at any time you do not feel you are being treated fairly, you should consider hiring an attorney to represent you. It may not be a bad idea to go ahead and speak to a few attornies now so that you have one ready if it becomes necessary.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

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