Subject: Seeking Guidance on Compensation After Accident
I was recently involved in a serious accident where my 2006 F-150 was T-boned by a Corvette that ran a stop sign, driven by an underaged driver. My 6-year-old son is showing signs of a concussion, confirmed by his pediatrician, and he’s also out of alignment according to our chiropractor. My husband has whiplash and is undergoing physical therapy three times a week.
While both parties have insurance, the other driver is only 14 years old. Their insurance company acknowledges liability but has made a low offer for pain and suffering.
This is our first accident, and unfortunately, the value of my truck won’t cover the cost of a new vehicle, even with the pain and suffering offer. We haven’t accepted it yet, and we’re uncertain about what to request since we don’t have legal representation.
We would appreciate any advice on what we should seek in terms of compensation. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about the accident and the injuries your family is facing. It’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed navigating this situation. Here are a few suggestions for what to consider when determining compensation:
Medical Expenses: Calculate all medical expenses related to the accident for both your son and husband, including any future treatments or therapy they may need.
Vehicle Valuation: Get a detailed assessment of your truck’s value from sources like Kelley Blue Book or similar to determine how much it would cost to replace it with a similar vehicle.
Pain and Suffering: This can be more subjective, but you might want to consider how your family’s quality of life has been affected—pain, emotional distress, or any lifestyle changes. Some recommend asking for multiples of medical expenses (e.g., 1.5 to 5 times your medical costs) based on severity and duration of pain.
Lost Wages: If you or your husband had to miss work due to recovery or treatment, factor in lost wages.
Future Costs: If there are ongoing medical needs or therapy for your son or husband, account for those costs in your request.
Additional Expenses: Consider any other costs that arose from the accident, such as transportation, childcare if needed, or even the inconvenience of dealing with repairs or replacements.
Given these considerations, it might be beneficial to put together a comprehensive document outlining all these costs and losses. While it can be tempting to negotiate on your own, you might also want to consult with a personal injury attorney who can provide guidance specific to your situation and help with negotiations. They often work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless you win a settlement. Best of luck, and I hope your family recovers as quickly as possible!