What is a reasonable settlement offer for an auto accident?

Asked over 1 year ago - Lake City, SC

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I was in a serious auto accident involving an 18 wheeler. he hit me nearly head on. broke my arm and injured my ankle. have had two arm surgeries and have around 27,000 in medical and therapy bills. my car was totaled and I lost my job due to time out for recovery. i dont want to go into the settlement without a strong sense of what is reasonable to ask for.

Additional information

liability is disputed but we have gathered more than enough information to prove them liable. I have metal plates in my arm one was removed in a second surgery due to complications. the doc. told me that i will have to be careful how i pick up my children 10 yrs. from now because it could cause my arm to break again. I was treated for about 9 months. I just recently found another job making the same money. but was out of work for 6 months. will be seeking a lawyer, just want some advice going into this. thanks

Attorney answers (5)

  1.

    Boston Car / Auto Accident Lawyer
    Contributor Level 13

    7

    Lawyers agree

    Answered March 09, 2012 07:46. I don't believe any responsible lawyer can give you a fair assessment with the information given. A lot goes into determining value on a case, and all the facts are not here. An attorney would need to view your medical records in their entirety. Is liability being disputed, or has the other side accepted responsibility? Do you have any permanent injury from this? How long did you treat? Is any future treatment anticipated? You lost your job. What wages did you lose as a result of the accident? Have you found another job? When? Is it for the same money? These are all questions that must be answered before determining a fair settlement for your injuries. My best advice is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area as soon as possible. The insurance company will take advantage of you if you are not represented, and I am confident you will not maximize your recovery. The Insurance Research Council reports that on average you will receive 40% more if you are respresented. It makes sense to do so. Best of luck.

    Steven A. Schwartz
    Attorney/Partner

    JOEL H. SCHWARTZ, P.C.
    One Washington Mall, 16th floor
    Boston, MA 02108
    (617) 742-1170
    (800) 660-2270
    (617) 250-2072 fax
    sas@joelhschwartz.com
    www.joelhschwartz.com

    The information provided is based solely on the question and facts presented. The information presented should not... more

  2. Pro

    Philadelphia Car / Auto Accident Lawyer
    Contributor Level 20

    4

    Lawyers agree

    Answered March 09, 2012 09:29. Without knowing all the facts and circumstances, I can't give you a number.

    The good news is that tractor trailers are heavily insured.

    You would want to retain a good truck accident lawyer. Don't try to do this yourself. Get a lawyer with a low contingency fee, less than 30%, so you are left with some money after the lawyer takes his fee. Make sure the lawyer doesn't take costs from the settlement, or you would be left with even less money.

    Good luck to you.

    Licensed in PA & NJ. 29% Contingency Fee. Phone: 215-510-6755 www.InjuryLawyerPhiladelphia.com

  3. Bronx Car / Auto Accident Lawyer
    Contributor Level 20

    3

    Lawyers agree

    Answered March 09, 2012 07:54. If you get an offer it will be commensurate with your ability as an attorney. If you had a cut you'd use a bandaid if you needede surgery I dare say you wouldn't use a bandaid. Same rationale applies.

  4. North Andover Personal Injury Lawyer
    Contributor Level 20

    1

    Lawyer agrees

    1

    Helpful vote

    Answered March 09, 2012 17:00. A reasonable settlement range is difficult to arrive at without many more facts regarding the circumstances of how the injury impacted and will continue to affect your life.

  5. Pro

    Durant Car / Auto Accident Lawyer
    Contributor Level 7

    1

    Lawyer agrees

    1

    Helpful vote

    Answered March 10, 2012 12:10. On an 18 wheeler wreck, you really need to go an find a personal injury attorney in your area that specializes in auto accidents. You should not wait around researching on your own.

    This answer is for informational purposes only and is a general response to a general question. This answer is... more

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