Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 5/30/2009

Question
Thanks so much in advance for answering my query.

A few months ago my wife and two kids were involved in a RTA due to a vehicle failing to stop.  Our Mini Van, having rolled three times was written off, and the insurance adjuster paid out very quickly in respect to the vehicle.

Emergency Services took the family to A&E, and following checks they were thankfully released the same day.  The injuries adjuster has made an offer for the children and my wife and I'm really just wanting to know if this a fair and reasonable offer:

Child 1 + 2 - both had minor scratches but nothing major, though they still talk about the accident on a daily bases.  Their medical bills were 900 each, and they have been offered a total of 1900 each, leaving them with 1000 each.

My wife medical bills came to far more, 9700, and they have offered 12000, leaving her with 2300.  In percentage terms this is much less than the kids yet she has suffered the most.

Bottom line
Are the offers fair and reasonable - if not what can i do.

If I reject the offer what happens - do they usually come up with another?

Would I then need to involve a attorney - i was trying to avoid this.

Sorry for soo many questions.

Answer
Hi Mark,

The offer on the kids does seem fair. The offer on your wife does not. You can reject their offer for your wife, but you will need to make a counter offer. This is a negotiating game. You should counter with say $25000.00. Of course they will likely reject that and come back with a counter offer and so on. If at any point you do not feel you are being treated fairly, you should seek the advice of an attorney.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh