Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 8/26/2010

Question
7 months ago I was T-boned by a driver at an intersection causing total losses to both vehicles. Fault should have been easy to determine, my occupants and his occupants testimony were both in my favor. The other driver however decided to lie and say that I ran a red light, so USAA chose to side with their client. I had just spent $2,000 fixing my car and it would have been paid off this year. Arbitration has finally ended in my favor and USAA has paid my insurance company and offered me $500 for my inconvenience (to sign a liability waiver). My question is, would it be in my best interest to refuse to sign the waiver unless they gave me a more acceptable amount, and would their company policy allow them to give me a higher amount?

Answer
Hi Thomas,

There is no entitlement for compensation for inconvenience. There needs to be a provable monetary loss in order to receive compensation. In this case if they are offering $500.00 simply for the inconvenience, you should take it and run. To try to fight for more could end up causing you to get nothing.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh