How do I know if I’m getting a fair settlement?
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How do I know if I’m getting a fair settlement?
I was in a wreck that totaled my car; a man cut across street in front of me. He told everyone that it was his fault. I was not hurt just banged up but went to the hospital just in case; they did not find anything. The insurance company has agreed to pay all hospital bills, paid me for the car and is now offering me $900. I got rental car 2 days later and kept most of the time until received money for the car. However, due to of no car and not feeling well I missed a job interview that was the next day. It took me about 6 weeks to really feel better and my car insurance has gone up about $50 a month. My old car was a ’95 and had only liability. Now bought an ’06 which has full coverage. Is this a far settlement?
Asked on December 10, 2013 under Personal Injury, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
From what you write, it does seem fair:
1) You had your medical costs paid.
2) You had the car paid for.
3) You received $900 over and above that.
4) No court would give you any compensation for missing a job interview, because since that it is hardly a given to get a new job, the causal link between the accident and not getting a new job is far too tenuous to support compensation.
5) You car insurance has evidentally gone up because you have a newer car and better coverage, which is not the other driver's fault.
Arguably, you might be entitled to more than $900 for six weeks of pain/discomfort; on the other hand, depending on the level of discomfort or pain, you might even be entitled to less. Given that your major costs were covered and you did not have to go to court (spending time and money), this settlement seems reasonable.
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