Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 3/4/2009

Question
I was injured in an auto accident last May.  I suffered a back injury that required 4 months rehab.  I am now feeling ready to wrap this claim up and put this behind.  The other insurance company settled for 80% liability and I was returned part of my deductable.  What do I do now?  They keep sending me a letter to release medical records and bills.  Should I sign that?  It looks harmless and I don't want to hold the process up any longer I need to.  How much should I demand?  I had a rental while my car was getting repaired, medical bills, prescriptions, travel to rehab, missed work, and almost 13,000 in auto repair.  Please help with any info

Answer
Hi John,

You will need to assemble a demand package. This is where you write a demand letter outlining when and where the accident occured, who was involved and thge fact that their insured was determined to be 80% at fault. You will need to list all of your doctors, treatment dates, bills etc. you will also need to sign the release of medical information form so they can get your medical records from your medical providors.

In your demand you will also ask for your lost wages, rental expenses, etc. You will need to provide a statement from your employer indicating the dates you missed work and how much money you lost for each day.

There is a great website that you should look at. www.collisionwizard.com . It is produced by the Better Business Bureau Video Series. It will help you organize all of your bills, create a demand package and it even has a claim calculator that will provide you with a high and low settlement range for your claim based on the info you enter. It only costs $20.00 and it will help you greatly.


I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh