Car Accident Settlement Offer
I was involved in a car accident in early December last year. While I was navigating an intersection, another vehicle suddenly pulled in front of me, and I collided with it at about 40 mph. Unfortunately, my airbag didn’t deploy (my vehicle is 24 years old), and I hit my head on the steering wheel. As a result, I’ve been dealing with a concussion along with neck, jaw, back, knee, and shoulder pain. While some of the issues have improved, I’m still struggling with daily headaches, as well as persistent shoulder and knee problems. I’ve attended over a dozen physical therapy appointments for my knee and shoulder, and my doctor is doing her best to manage my headaches.
My insurance company found the other driver to be 100% at fault and has offered to settle under my uninsured motorist coverage, since the other driver was uninsured. They’ve proposed a settlement of $2,500 for pain and suffering.
Does this amount seem low to anyone else? I’m new to this process, but it feels inadequate considering that I continue to experience daily headaches and ongoing issues with my shoulder and knee.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice. I’m not someone who seeks to profit from this situation, but this accident has significantly impacted my life over the last three months.
For context, I’m located in Wisconsin. Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your accident and the ongoing pain you’ve been experiencing. Based on what you’ve shared, a $2,500 settlement offer does seem low, especially considering the severity of your injuries and the impact they’ve had on your life. It’s important to remember that pain and suffering compensation is subjective, but it typically accounts for not just the physical symptoms, but also emotional distress and the effects on your daily activities.
Given that you’re still experiencing headaches and ongoing issues with your shoulder and knee, you might want to consider a few steps:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your medical treatments, expenses, therapy sessions, and how your injuries have impacted your daily life and work.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Speaking with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases can provide clarity and help you negotiate a fair settlement. They can help evaluate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Negotiate: If you feel the offer is low, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Provide evidence of your ongoing issues and explain how they have affected your quality of life.
Consider Future Implications: Think about how your injuries could affect you long-term. If there are potential future medical costs or impacts on your job and lifestyle, be sure to account for those in your settlement discussions.
It’s great that you’re seeking advice and being proactive about your situation. You deserve to be compensated fairly for what you’ve gone through. Good luck, and I hope you find a resolution that works for you!