People injured in automobile accidents caused by another’s negligence incur thousands in medical expenses and lost earnings. When it comes time to think about compensation for their injuries I am frequently asked three questions:
Will I get more money if I settle the case myself?
A. Probably not. The truth is you have no experience placing a value on injuries and the insurance adjuster won’t tell you the value of your case even if they do know. The law says you are in an adversarial relationship with the insurance company. Also, the value of an injury changes depending the type of work you do, how long you are in pain and out of work and the type of injury. The type of health care you receive and the health plan you have also has a big effect on the value of the case. If you have two forms of health insurance, which one you use it could also have a profound effect on case value. Finally, how much you net in your pocket depends on how much you have to pay back to your private health insurance company or government health plan. If the plan is not paid back they can often deny future medical care. The simple truth is most people simply don’t know what they don’t know and the insurance carrier is holding all the cards. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the value of your case.
Should I even go to the doctor and incur medical expenses?
If you are hurt, it is critical is to get prompt medical care and make sure you tell your doctor all of your complaints and symptoms to document and treat your injury. If your symptoms get worse or change, go back to the doctor and tell him or her that the symptoms have changed. If there is no change and you get better in a few weeks, good for you! If you stay pain free for a couple of months you might be ready to settle your case. If your pain gets worse, changes or does not go away then you will have the documentation to prove your case. The simple fact is a plaintiff has the burden of proof.
Should I settle my case as soon as the adjuster makes an offer?
Never! Insurance adjusters know that people are often too optimistic about their chances of making a quick recovery or in denial about the severity of injuries. Both of those attitudes work to the insurance company’s advantage. Adjusters will often make an offer within just a few weeks. Never settle your claim until you are pain free for several months.
Problems arise when you think your injuries are minor but you just don’t get better. The truth is there is often NO difference between the pain you feel with a simple sprained neck or back and the pain you feel with a herniated disc that may eventually need surgery. The only difference is that the sprain often gets better in a few months and the herniated disc doesn’t. Maybe after the accident you start to feel a little bit of tingling in your fingers. Maybe your arm feels weak or you start dropping things. The pain continues and the numbness and tingling in your fingers grows. Soon you have a real problem. Now what do you do?
For more than 20-years, Craig M. Boeger has been a personal injury attorney and has helped thousands of clients in need. Boeger Law Firm is located in Brentwood California and practices in the following areas:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents
- Catastrophic Injury
- Dog Attacks
- Drunken Driving Accidents
- Head Injuries
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Unlicensed Contractors
- Wrongful Deaths
For more information about Boeger Law firm, please visit www.boegerlawfirm.com or contact them at (925) 240-2408. Consultations are free and can occur either in his office or in the comfort of your own home.
