Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
I was rear-ended in my car 4 days ago while stopping at a red light. Damage was $3000 according to the other driver's insurance claims adjuster. Although initially ok, 2 hours later I began feeling back pain. I went to my Chiropractor who took xrays, did an adjustment and massage therapy. I had constant pain for 2 days, improving to stiffness and pain with certain movements. The chiropractor wants to treat my condition 3x per week for 3 weeks with adjustments, electro stim, massage therapy and specific exercises to return my back to normal, pain-free mobility and function. I think the therapy may cost $2000.
How much should I expect the Insurance to pay? What is the history for insurance settlements for this type of incident? Should there be a payment made for pain and suffering?
3 Answers from Attorneys
There is no set amount the insurance will pay. It depends on the nature and extent of your injuries and also depends on your residual problems, if any. You should consult with an orthopedic surgeon to confirm the treatment you are getting is reasonable and necessary to treat your injuries. You should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney and have them represent you.
Assuming your bills will be around $2000 and with that property damage figure of $3000 (and this also assumes about 20 phys therapy visits), if you are represented by an attorney, you can reasonably expect a pre-litigation total settlement of somewhere between $4,000-$5,500.
This would include pain and suffering if you had car insurance.
If you did not have car insurance, your maximum amount that you could obtain would be medical bills, expenses out of pocket, and past and future lost earnings (if any).
You should contact an attorney ASAP.
Good luck...
My firm handles car accident cases all over the State of California. You may call me for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.
My website is located at www.thepersonalinjury.com .