Legal Question in Personal Injury in Massachusetts
claim settlement
I was hit by a car while at a x-walk and have been out of work fro over 5 mnths.I am awaiting an operation resulting from this accident.The driver's insurance company has offer me to settle the claim for 20k which they said is the policy limit.I do not own a car hence can not file any other claims.Should i take the offer or get a lawyer to deal with it?Also is this all i can get from his insurance company i.e.20k policy limit?This individual has no other assets.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: claim settlement
Rule 1- Never ever assume the insurance company will be straight forward about an issue and thus you need not carefully review their statements.
Rule 2- Call an attorney about an issue of this nature immediately.
Rule 3- Do not sign any agreement with the insurance company without an approval of same by your attorney.
Re: claim settlement
You *may* have other options available to you, but you should speak with an attorney before you do anything.
I would be happy to evaluate your case for a small hourly consultation fee.
Best of luck and a speedy recovery!
Re: claim settlement
The other two responses said WHAT you should do, and are correct.
The WHY is this: I doubt that in insurance company will lie to you about the policy limits available. However, the driver may have other assets or insurance policies that might help you out. An attorney can assist you in determining whether there are any other assets or available policies. That alone might not be worth a 1/3 contingent fee if the offer already made is in "good faith," but finding a lottery ticket, an estate being held up while the claim is pending, a paid -off house -MIGHT- be worth something.
Get a good lawyer.