car accident

[Mary Lou 681]

Wow, Lisa! The damage looks extensive! I wouldn't settle with the insurance company until you get a clean bill of health from your doctor and make sure they pay for all your medical expenses. I'd even consider getting a lawyer if the insurance company drags its feet.

From someone who spent years as a claims adjuster, I feel compelled to clear up a big misconception -the part about making sure they pay for all expenses. As for third party claims, in nearly all states, the "other guy's" insurance cannot and will not pay for ongoing treatment up front. It's only after all treatment is done can they consider settling the claim based on the medical bills ("specials") presented at the END of treatment.

It appears Lisa's main concern right now is getting her meds paid upfront. That, unfortunately, will not be done by the third-party insurer. Her best and only option, if she does not want to pay out of pocket, is to see if she has any Medpay under her own policy, or to go through her health insurance. In both cases, they will pay upfront then submit their own claim to the other guy's insurance which will be paid once treatment is complete and ready to settle.

It is a HUGE misconception that the other guy's insurance will pay as you go for treatment. This allows the injured party to "milk" the system by overtreating, etc.

I wasn't suggesting that she'd expect them to pay up front, and I realize that puts the financial burden on the victim of the accident, which is unfortunate. As for milking the system...LOL...no offense but my family has had its run in with an insurance company who refused to pay until we hired a lawyer and sued them. While there maybe abuse on the side of crash victims, there are plenty of cases where it's the insurance company that's making out on the deal.

I agree Steven with you....the insurance company offered me a settlement that they proposed BEFORE they actually saw my car. 2000$ max for medical within the next 60 days, and 750$ pain and suffering, plus the price of them fixing the car (estimated about 5,400$). Now, if you ask me....I may need medical attention for more than just the next two months, if it comes down to physical therapy $2000 won't go very far...am I right? pain and suffering...well this has been a huge pain in the neck (pun very intended). One of my fatal flaws is being 'too nice'....someone advise me here..can I counter this offer myself without consulting an attorney? I don't want to feed into the whole ambulance chasing system. But I want to make sure I'm not going to be stuck with bills because I settled for less than I deserve! One week out and I'm still sore, but it's not enough pain to prevent me from going to work...it's just annoying.

You are definitely right!!! Seeing as i just went through 3 months of PT, at $124.00 a pop, 3x a week, that money will be gone in no time.