Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

I wasn't going to post anything, but now I'm in pain!!! I was taking it easy this morning, but had to take care of things, dinner, etc. and now I'm in pain.

We were rear-ended on the way to church Sunday. Not sure, as yet, if the frame on our truck has been bent. It knocked the dash off and the front seats are tilted back. We were able to punch the dash back into place in order to operate the air conditioner, but the stereo is still protruding.

My husband was turning left, had his blinker on, saw the woman behind us keep coming and punched the gas, but it was too late! The ambulance took me to the hospital for a scan of my neck and back.

I can't get the police report until Friday and so I am asking if anyone has experience in what I should ask for. I'm thinking I may want to see a Chiropractor.

Everyone is telling me to seek a settlement for medical attention, as well as, for the truck.

I want to study this all out before Friday - any input would be most appreciated! TIA!!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Sorry to hear about this PO!
If the frame was bent it was a hard accident!

Many issues may not show up for a while, so I would say to you to one, seel legal advice, & two medical advice.

Some things may drag on & be an issue & some things may not.
From the sound of it, it sounds like you have been hurt & are entitled to compensation.

Praying!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Make sure you get open ended medical coverage for any related injuries, no matter what.... neck/back problems could be lifetime issues. My sister was in a wreck about 4 years ago, and still has very serious neck problems related to it.

I will pray that God will ease the pain you are having.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thanks, Ron. I called a Chiropractor today to talk to them. They will do an evaluation for $50. My daughter and her husband are in California. As soon as she calls, I'll ask who they use. I think they like their doctor. Not all Chiropractors are good doctors.

I could just be sore for a few days, but I sure want to look out for the future!

I am pouting so my husband will feel sorry for me! :D

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thank you. I'm not experienced at this and so I wasn't aware of the "open ended medical coverage". That certainly helps! Thanks, Tina!!!

Thanks for your prayers!!! :friend

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

I would discuss your options with your attorney and make sure you don't settle right away.

Also, you stand a better chance of being reimbursed if your regular doctor refers you to a therapist or chiropractor.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

I don't have a regular doctor. We never get sick! LOL! I guess I'll have to find one.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

That always helps! LOL!

Make sure you keep a bit of a diary, the more you can substantiate your claim the better you will have in getting recourse for your injuries.

I pray that while it does look like you got hurt, that it won't be long lasting &/or debilitating!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

It helps tremendously!!! :D :toofunny

That's a good idea - the diary. Ooops, I think we are supposed to say journal now! lol!

Thanks, I pray it's not long lasting either and a bit amazed at how the pain set in when I started moving around more. It didn't take long!

Okay, I'm out! Can't sit here much longer.

Thanks everyone!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Take care!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

PO, From someone who has suffered from chronic back pain for years, I wouldn't see a chiropracter yet. You should see your reg. Dr. or an orthopedic. You also should probably get an x-ray or possibly an MRI. The Dr. or Ortho. may then recommend a Chiro. If it were my back, I wouldn't go to the Chiro. first because there are some neck and spine problems that a Chiro. could make worse.

Praying all will be fine
Sinatra

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thanks, Sinatra! They did do a CAT Scan of my neck and lower back while I was in the hospital. No fun being strapped down and neck restrained for TWO HOURS!!!

I'll keep that in mind about an Orthopedic as opposed to a Chiropractor. Thanks!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Advice from my lawyer neice when I had a medical problem- Keep notes on how you feel, physically and emotionally, document, document, document. I would see a lawyer and a doctor, in that order now.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thanks, I have started making notes.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

How long do they take to return your call?!!!!!!!

Just got the bill in for the EMS - $478! Lovely little trip with no scenic features! LOL!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Hey PO, I just read about all this. Sorry about the accident. Yes, I think everything should be documented by a dr especially if you are going to make insurance claims. Don't sign off on ANYTHING even if you get to feeling better. This type of accident can cause long-term pain that might not show up for a while. Hope you get to feeling better very soon.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thanks, ILG! :friend

I am feeling much better today. Yesterday, I hurt worse than any day. My neck was giving me more pain than my lower back.

But, I agree - don't sign off on anything even if I feel better. I haven't talk to anyone that disagrees with that. :thumbsup

The insurance company is on the line!!! Yeah!!!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Been wearing a neck brace 24x7? You never know when that private eye will snap your picture! :lol

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

:toofunny :toofunny I could be on Drudge Report next to Perez Hilton! Just think! :ursofunny

Okay, finally got the ball rolling! Great! :thumbsup They still have to talk to my husband this afternoon.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

praying for you.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thank you, Sister Alvear!!! :friend

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

So what you are saying is that you are a "pain in the neck?":hmmm

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Praying for speedy recovery for you and minimal hassel from insurance company - you can negotiate for pain and suffering as well as any time missed from work. You shouldn't be out one dime of your own money. All expenses covered. Kindness (but firmness) to the adjuster goes a long way - at least that was my experience with last wreck! Best to you!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

A little off the subject but I get weary of APOSTOLIC people trying to collect insurance money for accidents!

I have seen Apostolics who are SUPPOSED to be honest fake injury so they can collect a check from insurance agencies. I think its very dishonest.

Once lady was rear ended and there was a small little dent on the bumper, she got hauled off to the hospital in an ambulance then came to church with a neck brace just so she could get a 6000.00 settlement. No matter how you cut it, this is dishonest! Its STEALING and LYING.

I pray people will think before acting this way as Apostolic Believers.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Fraud is a sin - no matter what you call yourself. Legitimate claims should be filed and paid - That's the standard of truthfullness and fairness that needs to be followed.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

It is a little off topic!
I know as one who was seriiously rear ended & had 5 slightly herniated discs, I am in pain everyday & would give every bit of money back (the little I did get) for one chance to have a normal back.

If you have never been injured in a car accident--thank God!
You never want to go through that!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Amen!

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

You're right!!!! - I've seen - I think - 122 (or was it 123?) Apostolics do that and just last year!!! :toofunny

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thank you! It seems to be going smoothly. Will have two bids on the truck by Friday and will be having further evaluation on my back, just as a precautionary measure. The insurance company says they expect me to do that.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Sorry to hear you were in an accident. Don't rush to any settlements.

You will be amazed at how often neck injuries don't show up as long lasting. I was in a very small fender bender when I was 12 and to this day have trouble with my neck. So Jeff the size of the dent doesn't indicate the damage done.

I agree fraud is wrong, but I also agree that when injured you have a right for settlement.

I was nearly killed in a head-on accident. Although the courts awarded me $500,000.00 I never saw a penny of it. The drunk driver didn't have any insurance nor money and skipped out instead of coming to court.

Good luck, and I pray that you get what is right for you.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thank you, Esther! :friend

The insurance company is saying they do not do "open ended medical insurance". So, on that note, I'm not sure where to go from there. My neck and lower back still hurt.

Would the doctor I choose to check this out give me more direction on the way to go with a settlement, if I need one? I certainly don't want to be dishonest, but I'm listening to so many say the same you did about a neck injury. I just don't know how to handle this one.

I don't want to be left holding the bag, medically, on something like this. It wasn't my fault! :tissue

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

OH, SNAP!!! I'm getting ready for church since I'm Apostolic and I CAN'T FIND MY NECK BRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:bliss :bliss :bliss :bliss

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That's too close to NECK LACE, don't you think??? :gotcha

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They made me take it off at the door!!!! :toofunny

Okay, I had my 4th acupuncture and spine manipulation treatment today. I am feeling sooooooo much better. Have two or three more sessions to go.

Truck goes into the shop this coming Monday! Hope they do a good job!

Hopefully, we will get another truck for the rental. My husband will be pretty put out if they don't. We have company coming in for a couple of weeks and he needs to hook up his boat!! :toofunny

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Your ambulance ride after the accident helps your case. Continue to save medical bills. Do you have prior back injuries? Those will be scrutinized if so.
Obtain a personal injury attorney -- or negotiate on your own. Best with an attorney, but they also claim much of your money. Any time off work, document it. Any other inconveniences, document it. How has this affected your quality of life? Document it. Build your case. All medical bills are usually paid without question. Your Bodily Injury settlement is where negotiation happens. The ball is in your court, and you do not have to accept an initial offer.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

I was pretty much going to type the same thing.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

Thanks for all of your advice!

I'm working with USAA in San Antonio. I used to work in the legal department there and they are very fair. I've talked to the agent who is handling everything and thus far, I feel I don't need an attorney.

I don't have any prior back problems. I am saving everything and my doctor is going to write out a good report and a detailed list of everything.

The insurance agent told me that they expect that I would see a doctor and that they will pay.

I just hope the repair place will do our truck justice. We still are not certain if the frame is bent. The guy told me he won't be able to tell until he takes off the bumper and he didn't want to lower the tailgate as he knew he wouldn't get it back up. We will find out next week.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

USAA said they do not do an "open ended" medical coverage.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

In that case I would have to go with worse case scerio and plan for additional medical cost.

They could save that money IF they had the open-ended medical coverage.

Otherwise, you will be left holding an empty bag.

Re: Advice on a settlement regarding auto accident
 

PO,

I hope that "shelf thing" the other night didn't further your injury!