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Question 1

How do my medical expenses impact the value of a personal injury claim?

The higher the medical bills the greater the value of your claim.  Be sure to obtain all bills for services rendered plus final reports regarding your physical condition.  Make sure these reports include the length of the time of your "Partial Disability" and/or your "Total Disability".  Why?  Because that will go a long way in justifying both your "pain and suffering" and your lost wages.  These reports should be in your possession and read by you first (not sent directly to the insurance company).  Keep the original and send a copy to the adjuster. 

Question 2

What about my lost time from work?

You must be paid for every single dollar you lost even if you're reimbursed by some other insurance coverage you may have!  Lost time and earnings is really "Lost Earning Capacity".  You are entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings -- even if you have no actual loss of money -- such as, for example, when your salary is paid by your personal insurance or by taking sick leave or some similar arrangement. 

Question 3

How do I go about  the proper property damage estimate on my vehicle?

In the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents there is an "Agreed Cost To Repair" which has been arrived at between your damage repair person and the insurance adjuster.  There are other property losses that may have occurred such as damage to clothing, jewelry, watches, etc.  (These are covered so be sure to have written proof of the cost of each item plus the date it was purchased).

Question 4

I have Medical Payments Coverage.  How does that work?

This type of converge will pay you, up to certain limits, for all medical bills rising out of the accident - - regardless of who is at fault!  (Read this coverage carefully because so many people are covered in so many different ways).

A WORD ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS:  In certain instances it may be possible to have your medical bills paid, and yet avoid any repayment, by using your non-automobile health insurance policy, or some other health plan you  have.  ("Yes" this means you may be able to collect twice for the same medical bills).

Question 5

How do you negotiate a fair settlement for yourself?  

Always show the insurance adjuster that you are willing to negotiate in "good faith".  The first rule of bargaining is to never lower your demand until the adjuster makes a counter-offer.  Negotiating a settlement for personal injury is much like any other negotiation.  You are the "seller" and the adjuster is the "buyer".   

BE PATIENT:  A claim settled in haste is rarely paid its fair and full value.