Is the insurance company low-balling me?

Question:

Is the insurance company low-balling me? I was in an auto accident in Arlington, Virginia. I was stopped at a red light. I was hit from behind. The lady who hit me had reached down to answer her cell phone. She was driving a company car. She got a ticket for failure to stop and my car was totaled. I was thrown forward in my seat and the seat belt caught me around the throat. I was stunned, and didn’t think I needed to go to the hospital. I missed several days of work and am just now beginning to feel normal again. I went to my primary care doctor and she took some x-rays and suggested keep seeing my chiropractor. I am ready to settle with the Company. They paid for my car, agreed to pay my co-pay and pay me for lost income. My question is there any other compensation that I should ask for?

Answer:

Yes, the insurance company is low-balling you.

First, if you are only “just now” beginning to feel normal again, it is probably too soon to settle your claim. Remember that, in Virginia, once you have settled your claim and signed a release, you can never collect another dime for your claim. For that reason, it is very important to know that you have made a full recovery or that your doctor tells you that you are “as good as you’re going to get” before you settle your claim. The insurance company is probably pressing you to settle because they know that the quicker they can get you to settle, the more money they’ll save. Unless you’re running up against the statute of limitations (two years in Virginia), there really is no rush.

Second, the insurance company is legally obligated to pay the entirety of your medical bills which were caused in the accident – not just your co-pays. They are also obligated to compensate you with a reasonable amount of money for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience that you’ve been put through.

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