If I was injured when a car backed into mine, what should I settle for or should I sue?
Question Details:
I was backed into by a woman who wasn't paying attention in a parking lot. I have bad whiplash and I may have a few pinched nerves. Her insurance wants to settle with me for only $500 but I think I might be able to get more because I will be in and out of chiropractors for a while and I may need something done about my neck. Should I ask for more or maybe sue?
What you should do is consult with a personal injury attorney; let him or her evaluate your case and help you understand what it may be worth. Some guidelines to bear in mind--you can potentially recover:
1) All medical costs to date;
2) Future medical costs, if sufficiently certain (so ongoing therapy, for example);
3) Lost wages (if any) to date;
4) Future dimunition or reduction of earning power due to disability (if any);
5) Pain and suffering, if the injury is serious enough or you suffer loss of function or the ability to fully enjoy life;
6) Any other out of pocket (e.g. if you can't keep house do to your injury, the cost of a housekeeper)
7) Any property damage (e.g. your car)
