Expert: Claims Guy - 3/14/2011

Question
i am 46 a double above the knee amputee-may 27 2009 i was in my van in my alley behind my house -went down a bit a guy was in his car didn't move so i parked behind him got my wheelchair out of van (no lift take chair in & out my self sliding door# got in chair turned & went forward & the guy backed up hit me & drove away no stopping-i got hit left side of body -broke my chair frame in half when bumper hit me i heard & felt a pop in way upper back.
called cop went to doc next day-hurt back-schoulder-arm-bruises-pain-hip.Had MRI showed T-11-12 disc buldge-surgeon said if i didn't have so many medical problems surgery would help-wanted me & did physical therapy-chiro did nothing feels better.
insurance sent me to there doctor he said no other treatment needed-& said preexisting injury just aggravated old injury.#7 years ago when had a mri of back for low back surgery there doctor said  it showed the bulge at same level which I never had any other back problems no pain in that area never no treatment for that until the accident).farmers paid $14,000 in my medical bills but now closed the payment part of claim.So they sent me a offer & I have said no i have sent them demand letters & they all say not a dime hire they said only  aggravated old injury & there doctor says- but my doctor says he is wrong.
What do I do I feel I have no treatment for back 7 years show it says before accident I was fine-no i can't do lots of things be cause of pain & now pain going down arm. They tell me they need this info I get it for them than say our offer-I have policy limit $100,000-Farmers Insurance says they will do the best for you & when you need them they treat you like crap. i know they want to save money that's there job can you give me any secrets to write them.They are very rude saying because I have fallen out of my chair different times i said I am independent sorry if i want to go out in the world & live, people that have legs fall to.
Please give me your awesome advice-I live in wells Minnesota for limit, I have not gone to other medical help because no one will pay the bills. i have surgeon & my primary doc each wrote letter saying this accident caused my pain.Thanks, for your time & have a great day. Carmen

Answer
I recommend that you visit with a couple of local personal injury lawyers who can evaluate your case.  There is no simple answer and I do not have enough information to provide a proper evaluation of the value.  Most attorneys will provide a free initial consulatation, and only charge you a fee as a percentage of your case, if you win in court.  They usally charge between 30-40% of the award.

Choose your attorney carefully.  Do not hire one of the TV lawyers as they are usually low quality.  Ask freinds for a referral, or check with the state bar association for a referral.

There are no secrets to convincing them - the insurer is trying to evaluate your clam and they just have a different opinion of the value.