Settlement Offer After Car Accident
I was involved in a car accident back in early December. While I was navigating through an intersection, another vehicle unexpectedly pulled in front of me. I collided with their car at around 40 mph. Unfortunately, due to the age of my vehicle (24 years old), my airbag failed to deploy, and I hit my head against the steering wheel. As a result, I suffered a concussion along with ongoing issues in my neck, jaw, back, knee, and shoulder. While some of the problems have resolved, I’m still dealing with persistent headaches, and issues with my shoulder and knee remain unresolved. I’ve attended at least a dozen physical therapy sessions for my shoulder and knee, and my doctor has been doing her best to manage my headaches.
My insurance company determined that the other driver was 100% at fault and has offered to settle my claim through my uninsured motorist coverage, as the other driver was uninsured. Their settlement offer is $2,500 for pain and suffering.
I’m uncertain if this amount is fair. It feels low to me, especially given that I still experience daily headaches and ongoing issues with my shoulder and knee.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice regarding this situation. I’m not trying to be unreasonable, but this accident has had a significant impact on my life over the past three months.
For context, I’m located in Wisconsin.
It’s understandable that you’re feeling that the settlement offer seems low, especially given the impact this accident has had on your life and health. Your persistent symptoms, ongoing physical therapy, and the need for continued medical treatment certainly point to a more significant injury than what $2,500 seems to address.
In personal injury cases, settlements are often based on several factors, including the severity of injuries, impact on daily life, medical bills, lost wages, and the duration of treatment. Given that you’re still experiencing headaches and issues with your knee and shoulder, it may be worth considering a few steps:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your medical visits, treatments, and how your injuries have affected your daily life. This documentation will be useful in negotiations.
Evaluate Medical Expenses: Gather all your medical bills and any related expenses from the accident. This can help substantiate your claim.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Since you’re new to this process, consulting with an attorney who specializes in personal injury can provide valuable insight. They can help you determine whether the offer is fair and guide you on the next steps.
Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate the settlement offer. If $2,500 feels insufficient based on your circumstances, you can present your case to the insurance company, utilizing the documentation you have collected.
Consider Future Implications: Think about potential long-term effects or treatments you may need, and how that might impact the settlement figure.
Remember, you are entitled to seek a fair settlement that reflects your injuries and their effects on your life. Consulting with a professional who understands local laws in Wisconsin could be crucial in advocating for you effectively. Good luck!