Seeking Advice on Car Accident Settlement Offer
I was involved in a car accident back in early December of last year. While I was navigating an intersection, another vehicle pulled out in front of me, resulting in me hitting them at approximately 40 mph. Sadly, my airbag failed to deploy (my car is 24 years old), and I ended up hitting my head on the steering wheel. As a result, I suffered a concussion along with neck, jaw, back, knee, and shoulder injuries. While most of these have healed, I’m still dealing with persistent headaches, shoulder pain, and knee issues. I’ve attended over a dozen physical therapy sessions for my knee and shoulder, and my doctor is doing her best to manage my headaches.
My insurance company determined that the other driver was 100% at fault. Since the other party didn’t have insurance, they have offered to settle under my uninsured motorist coverage, with a settlement amount of $2,500 for pain and suffering.
Does this amount seem low to anyone else? I’m relatively new to this process, but it feels inadequate, especially considering the ongoing daily headaches and unresolved issues with my shoulder and knee.
Any advice or feedback you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I’m not looking to be greedy, but this incident has significantly impacted my life over the past three months.
Just to note, I’m located in Wisconsin—if that makes a difference. Thank you!
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot since your accident, and it’s completely understandable to feel that $2,500 for pain and suffering is low given your ongoing issues. The fact that you’re still experiencing daily headaches and unresolved shoulder and knee problems is significant and should be taken into account when considering the settlement.
In Wisconsin, damages for pain and suffering often vary based on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your daily life. Keeping track of your medical treatment, expenses, and how the injuries affect your everyday activities can strengthen your case if you choose to negotiate further or seek additional compensation.
Consider the following steps:
Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all medical visits, treatments, therapies, and any other related expenses. Document how the injuries affect your daily life and ability to work or enjoy life.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney who specializes in personal injury claims can provide you with valuable advice and better insight into the typical settlements for similar injuries and circumstances. They can also negotiate on your behalf to aim for a higher settlement.
Assess Future Expenses: Think about any potential future costs related to your injuries, including ongoing medical treatment or therapy.
Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to push back against the initial settlement offer. You can present your documentation as evidence of the ongoing impact of your injuries.
Consider Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering are significant, especially when they affect your quality of life. Ensure that the settlement you pursue reflects this adequately.
Ultimately, it’s essential to advocate for yourself and ensure that you get a settlement that truly reflects your pain and suffering. Best of luck!