Got hit today with my wife and baby in the car. We were parked on the street in a neighborhood and a real estate agent reversed into us while leaving her driveway, left the car with a large dent, and banged us up a little (headaches, body aches), but for the most part nothing too serious so far, we will be pursuing a pain and suffering settlement though. My question is, should I look into hiring a lawyer for the pain and suffering settlement or should I wait and see what the adjuster will be offering? I do plan on asking for a decent amount, (not sure how much though) due to having my wife and child in the car, even more so my wife is currently pregnant (very early). I know it's impossible to gauge with little detail, but if anybody has been in similar situations, any advice on the ballpark range I should be seeking would be appreciated as well. Thanks.
Not a lawyer, but I have watched a lot of Law and Order. I suggest not posting something like: "banged us up a little (headaches, body aches), but for the most part nothing too serious so far, we will be pursuing a pain and suffering settlement though." on a public forum.
Why not? When I said nothing too serious I mean we're all alive, no broken bones etc. Our symptoms (knee/neck/back pain) definitely warrant a pain and injury settlement.
We would have to do a percentage of the settlement deal, we don't have the money to pay one up front.
Ithink an attorney will get you more even after his 1/3 cut (taken from your settlement, won't have to pay anything up front). They will also have you all evaluated by not necessarily a scam doctor, but one whose conclusions will be settlement enhancing. You have to go to all The treatments to maximize this. The treatments will be legit, and actually very helpful. Go with a big firm, one willing to pay for all that, take all the time ito takes (you have to be patient) andprepared to go to trial in case you get lowballed. Not just take the best offer no matter what. Good luck, and get well- sometimes you are more hurt than you initially realize.
Thanks for the reply, when you say you recommend going with a big firm, do you have any specific recommendations? I'm in the Houston area.
No It was too long ago sorry I can't, but you can tell. Talk to a few of them, ask them about their process, make sure there's all the medical evals and treatments involved.
I used one a couple years ago and my wife and i got like $7k total after the lawyers cut and the doctors cut. I can forward the info if she remembers.
Yes, hire a lawyer and sue them for millions. Make sure you press charges for wreckless driving, Enjoy the millions my friend you can now retire
Get ready for 4 years of waiting, half dozen useless doctors visits and dangerous injection to your back for the sole purpose of greed. You'll miss work for this and the only winner will be your lawyer. Enjoy your $9,000
It's really hard to tell. If the insurance company plays hard ball, hire an attorney is your only choice. In most cases though, if you go to the doctor, provide the necessary papers on lost wages, etc, you'll probably make more money by not hiring an attorney. I got $6500 for my accident injuries. I went to the chiropractor for a month, I provided bank statements for lost wages, and everything they needed. The thing is though IF the insurance company plays hardball with you, hiring a laywer is your only choice. You do not want to go to court and represent yourself. Believe me.
