Expert: Jane Pytel - 1/14/2012

Question
Last year I was on a friends boat having a good time with family and friends.  Everyone was having a few drinks, and jumping off of "Bill's," boat.  

I did several back flips that day, and on the last one, I landed directly on my head on the back of the deck.  I was knocked out, and sank 12' down.  For a minute, people were searching frantically for me until my hero pulled my lifeless body up to the water.  I broke my c1, c4-c7, and t4.  I had stiches to put my face back together.

Currently, I struggle from insomnia, horrible nerve damage to the end of my fingers, high blood pressure, anxiety, and can't do much without pain killers.  I was life flighted to the ER, and had cervical surgery.  Bill never reported this incident to his insurance, and is a Military Cop.  We have been asking over a year for his insurance information, and we finally got it.  His insurance agent called me today, and was badgering me about the incident.  She stated that he wasn't responsible for this, and there were three other boats tied to his.  There weren't any other boats tied to his, and he was the one that provided the alcohol.

I do have a claim number, and we have given his insurance a copy of the Sherriff's report.  We have 7-10 witnesses that will give testimonies of the accident, we have pictures of the paramedics on Bill's boat stabilizing me, and there is an article in the paper from the young man that saved my life explaining how he saved me.

I'm only 36 years old, wasn't able to work for a year, and have difficulty with the job I have today as a driller.  My questions are: Should I hire an attorney or try to deal with his insurance myself?  What is the statue of limitations for this in the State of Oregon?  How much should I expect to settle for or should I expect the full cap amount of his policy?  Should I file a personal suit against Bill because he has been uncooperative?  

There would've been a death that day if it weren't for the act of a single young man.  What can I expect?  Thank you, Jake

Answer
 Hello Jake ...

Wow ...

From the agent to the boat owner... Amazing.  Do not consider any other alternative.  Hire a skilled personal injury attorney NOW!!  The statute of limitations has not run.

You need an attorney to answer your questions.  Do not delay.

I wish you well.

Jane Pytel

http://SolutionsForYourInsuranceClaim.com
http://FloridaAutoInsuranceCentral.com