Insurance Accident Settlement Update
Over a year ago, my teenage daughter was involved in a serious accident when another teen ran a stop sign and collided with her vehicle. She briefly lost consciousness and suffered a concussion, leading to an emergency room visit but was able to return home that evening. For several months afterward, she experienced debilitating migraines and light sensitivity, which seriously impacted her college studies for an entire semester.
To aid her recovery, she participated in a local concussion clinic for therapy and worked with an eye specialist for 16 weeks to address some abnormal eye movements that affected her daily functioning. She also had some minor knee pain as a result. Thankfully, the insurance covered the total loss of her car and all medical expenses without any problems.
Despite this, the months of recovery, numerous appointments, and persistent fatigue took a toll. A few months back, the insurance company initially offered $26,000 for her suffering, but after involving our attorney to document tuition loss, the offer was increased to $29,000. However, the attorney suggested that this might be the final offer, noting potential court costs of about $8,000 and the unpredictability of jury decisions.
While I’m waiting for further advice from my attorney, I’m not fully satisfied with the offer, as I expected closer to $40,000. To put things into perspective, my sister received a $32,000 settlement for a minor knee injury from an accident two decades ago. My biggest concern remains my daughter’s recurring headaches, although I’ve been informed that concussion symptoms typically improve after about a year.
It sounds like your daughter has been through a really tough time and it’s completely understandable that you’re feeling frustrated with the settlement offer. Given all the medical issues, therapy, and the impact on her college studies, it seems like a lot more compensation would be reasonable. You mentioned your sister’s settlement, and it makes sense to consider how different injuries and circumstances can influence the value of a claim. Since you have a lawyer involved, it might be beneficial to discuss specific factors that could justify a higher demand, such as the long-term effects of her concussion and any lingering symptoms she may experience.
While insurance companies often aim to settle for the least amount possible, keep in mind that the offer may reflect their assessment of the case and the challenges of going to court. It could be helpful to have a frank discussion with your attorney about your concerns and the potential risks versus benefits of pursuing the case further. You want to ensure that your daughter is adequately compensated for her hardships and any future issues related to her concussion. Gathering detailed documentation of her ongoing symptoms and the impact on her daily life could strengthen your position.
Ultimately, it’s important to weigh your options carefully and find a resolution that feels fair for your family. Wishing you the best as you navigate this process!