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Auto Insurance Claims/I was in a car accident

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Expert: - 11/4/2009


Question
I was in a minor accident someone backed out into me... I am 8 months pregnant, I went to the emergency room and they sent me onto labor and delivery because of hospital procedure. The doctor monitored me for a few hours to be sure i wasn't in labor and sent me home to just take it easy and contact them if i had any changes... the insurance company is trying to settle with me for  pain and suffering for $500, is that a low ball amount?

Answer
First of all, run this by an "accident attorney" (plenty in the yellow pages). If you have no claim, they won't take your case. Other than that, if you have no injuries, you have no claim so take the $500.00. Or Better yet, wait until the baby is born and if any problems or defects, then get the accident attorney and sue. You have a year from the accident, in most areas, to file a lawsuit. Don't sign a release, except for damage to your auto only.

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Ron Cercone

Expertise

How to handle automobile total loss claims. I am the president of UClaim.com, which sells 29 different eBooks I have written on how to maximize various types of auto, home and business claims and how to get coverage on denied claims. You may view their tables of contents online. Also available are very specialized eBooks such as on EUO (Examination Under Oath) for example. Also available is an assortment of policy forms used by the most popular insurers. The eBooks have a money back guarantee and currently include personal consultation with Ron Cercone.

Experience

I have been adjusting insurance claims since 1980. 1980 to 1995 adjusting for many insurers (6 years as an independent adjuster with my own company). Currently working as a public adjuster in California, since 1995. I'm one of the few public adjusters who has handled automobile damage and total loss claims.

Organizations
CAPIA (California Association of Public Adjusters).

Education/Credentials
BA 1975 in History and Industrial Arts. Full CV at UClaim.com .

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