What is a reasonable amount to settle with an insurance company for pain and suffering for an accident the other party was cited as responsible for?

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What is a reasonable amount to settle with an insurance company for pain and suffering for an accident the other party was cited as responsible for?

A friend and I were in an accident, in which his car was T-boned by another vehicle who ran a stop sign.I went to the ER for severe pain about 15 hours later and sustained whiplash and a contusion on my head and knee. I want to know what would be a reasonable amount to settle for with the insurance company without involving an attorney? What if I did go to see a personal injury attorney? I’m in Tucson, AZ.

Asked on November 3, 2011 under Personal Injury, Arizona

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

DEFINITELY you should consult with a personal injury attorney: not only is PI attorney whom you consult with in detail in the best position to determine a reasonable settlement or award (there is no general answer; the appropriate amount depends on each case's unique facts), but the lawyer will greatly increase your chance of recovering as much money as possible.

That said, here are some principals:

1) You can recover any and all unreimbursed medical costs--so anything that you've paid out of pocket. If you expect future costs, you should recover for them, too.

2) If you missed work or lost wages, you can recover that amount--and again, that includes forward looking lost wages, if you won't be able to work for some time.

3) If you have experienced relatively long lasting (a few weeks or longer) significant pain or disabilty, or impairment of the ability to do the normal routines and functions of life, you may be able to recover for


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