Legal Question in Insurance Law in Indiana

Should my daughter agree to accept $ from an auto accident for possible injuries

My daughter,her son, and I were in an auto accident 2 weeks ago. Another driver rear-ended us. My daughter's car received (according to an adjuster) over $4000 damage. Both she and the other driver have the same auto insurance company. Because we had a 6 week old baby with us, we took him to the hospital to be checked out. An insurance man came to the house that week and wanted her to sign a paper and he would in return give each of us a sum of $500. My concern is - what if we become aware of a problem later that may be the result of the accident? He said there was a paper to cover that too. We are not sue happy, but would want to make sure the there is covered if necessary. What should we do? Thanks for your help.


Asked on 4/29/01, 7:24 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Cortson Law Office of Michael D. Cortson, Esq.

Re: Should my daughter agree to accept $ from an auto accident for possible inju

$500 does not sound any where near reasonable with $4,000 in property damage. I settled my own case 10 years ago for $10,000. I should have gotten more as now I have arthritis in my lower back. Don't sign anything if you don't know what it is. EVER. If you have any questions let me know.

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Answered on 6/19/01, 12:56 am
Steven Murray Steven W. Murray, APC

Re: Should my daughter agree to accept $ from an auto accident for possible inju

You should be very, very careful about signing anything unless someone who knows what they are doing reads the material first. Generally, adjusters are ONLY trying to save their company money; your rights are for you to protect as you see fit. It is probably best that you see a lawyer who deals in personal injury accidents since a $4K property damage claim is substantial.

You should not rely on what the adjuster says; take the papers to a lawyer who can advise your daughter exactly what to do. There does not necessarily have to be a lawsuit.

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Answered on 6/18/01, 2:39 pm
Brian Halloran Brooking and Halloran, PLLC

Re: Should my daughter agree to accept $ from an auto accident for possible inju

DO NOT sign anything without having an attorney look over the accident, the damages and advise you on possible settlement values. The insurance company is out to save money, not be fair to you and your family. You don't have to be "sue happy" to deserve fair compensation for your damages. At the very least, have an attorney look it over. Most, including myself, offer a free initial consultation. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss this further. (859) 491-5800

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Answered on 6/18/01, 4:48 pm


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