Legal Question in Personal Injury in Nevada

Re: Southwest Gas truck backed into me

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, you are doing the right thing to seek medical attention. I am encouraged that you are recognizing that is the first priority.

Even if you have health insurance, ask for a copy of the billing and medical narrative record from your care provider, and submit it to the company, as they will be ultimately liable to your health insurance provider as a responsible third party. Follow your doctor's orders, take time from work if recommended by your physician, and keep a personal diary of the pain and "lifestyle changes" you experience during the healing process. For example, if you have to forego a hiking trip with friends because you are too sore, or cannot attend your regular aerobics class, etc., this may be important to your final settlement.

Upon discharge from care by your doctor for the injury, you will be ready to make a settlement demand on the responsible company. The hardest part is determining a fair value for your pain and suffering. Depending on how much grief you experience, and how much the injuries otherwise affect your life, the value could be quite varied, ranging from a few hundred bucks to over four times your medical expenses, plus lost wages. This is the part for which most people find they need an attorney to help them with their claim. If the company is not inclined to settle with you directly, and you end up communicating with an insurance adjuster, you may run into another whole maze of brick walls, and an attorney could be very valuable in that process. In the end, you might net a larger settlement - even after paying legal fees and costs - than you can obtain on your own.

Please contact me if my firm can help with the claims settlement process.

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