Rear-End Accident Update
So, a lot has happened since my rear-end accident in November. I was stopped on the freeway for about 5-10 seconds due to traffic when I got hit from behind by a company box truck. The other driver was going pretty fast, so I suspect he was distracted, possibly on his phone, because he didn’t stop in time. I had my dog with me in the car, and thankfully, we were both okay after the impact (though my dog did have an accident in my seat).
After the collision, the driver got out, contacted CHP, and we both filed a report. The next day, I informed my insurance about the incident, but they gave me the runaround, saying that we would need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance since he was at fault. My liability coverage didn’t help me in this case, adding to my frustration.
The day after the accident, I started feeling stiffness in my back and neck, so I went to get checked out. A week later, I received an email from the other driver’s insurance company indicating that they don’t actually insure the truck, which left me perplexed. I sought assistance from my insurance, but they couldn’t offer much help. After much consideration, I decided to hire a lawyer.
Fast forward a month, and my lawyer was finally able to get the insurance compensation sorted out, which they paid out within the next month. My lawyer also connected me with a chiropractor who has been incredibly helpful. I underwent an MRI, which revealed five herniated discs in my back and neck. I’ve had a total of four cortisone injections from a spine specialist, plus a brain MRI that showed some damage, including a minor concussion. As a result, I experience irritability, memory issues, and a shorter attention span now.
Driving has become quite nerve-wracking for me; I flinch whenever a car approaches from behind, and I find myself swerving a bit. I may be leaving out some details, but my main question is: what should I expect regarding a settlement? I’m in California. Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the challenges you’ve faced since then. It’s completely understandable to feel stressed and uncertain, especially after going through such a traumatic experience.
In terms of settlement, various factors come into play, including:
Medical Expenses: Your medical bills for treatment, including chiropractic care, MRIs, and cortisone injections, would be a significant part of your settlement.
Pain and Suffering: Since you’ve mentioned experiencing physical pain and emotional distress, this could also lead to a higher settlement amount. The impact on your daily life, like your anxiety when driving, is important to consider.
Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, that loss would also be factored in.
Liability: Since the other driver did not have insurance, it seems that you’re likely pursuing a claim through your own insurance, or the “underinsured” coverage, if applicable.
State Laws: Settlements can vary greatly based on California’s laws, as well as how fault is assigned in the accident.
Settlement amounts in similar cases can range quite a bit, often falling into the thousands or even millions depending on the severity of injuries and damages. Having a lawyer is a good move; they’ll be able to provide a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation, factoring in all aspects of your case.
It might be helpful to keep detailed records of all medical treatments, any correspondence with insurance companies, and notes on how the accident has impacted your daily life. This documentation can be crucial for your settlement negotiations.
Again, I hope you find some peace and are able to recover fully. If you have more questions or need support, feel free to ask!