Legal Question in Personal Injury in Illinois
I was rearended and the back of my car was smashed in and window broke by a 3/4 ton work truck I suffered from severe sprains and strains of my back and neck. I am handling the claim myself and want to ask for 40,000 in general damages and 25,000 in medical bills. Is this a reasonable settlement request? Thank you Jennifer Rockwell
I have collected all med records and made copies to send to the adjuster so I wint have to sign a release for records,and I have typed up a demand letter I am just waiting to send until I recieve an answer on whether or not what I am asking is reasonable.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Jennifer I admire your drive, but I HIGHLY recommend you retain a Personal Injury Attorney.
All the insurance co. has to do is low ball you with a settlement figure and then what will you do?
Also, your injury (strains) are soft tissue in nature and the insurance co. will be reluctant to pay out a large settlement to an unrepresented individual.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I think once the insurance company will make a settlement offer to you of about $5000, or less, you will feel the need to hire an attorney. The fact of the matter is that insurance companies will not pay fair compensation on their own free will. The only thing that they are willing to do freely is to pay lip service to the insurance law that requires them to assess a claim fairly and with due diligence.
Even if you do not retain my office, I urge you to look around and higher an attorney who does this sort of things every day and knows all the tricks the insurance adjusters play on people. Dealing with adjuster for regular people is like adding insult to injuries...
If you have questions, you may contact me. Consultations are always free and I work on a contingency basis--that means you don't pay anything and I won't get paid unless you collect.
I hope this helps-
Dear Jennifer,
There are elements of future damages you may be able to recover as well as all your past damages.
Should you wish to speak to an experienced attorney, please contact our office. (312) 977--9900.
Many thanks,
John C. Wunsch