Hello,
Last August I was getting ready to get into my car when a woman struck me before I got to climb into my vehicle. I spinned around and fell and the passenger mirror was broke. I went to the hospital and thankfully nothing was fractured or broken however I've had this contusion for a while that does not seem to be getting better. I've also had some blood in my urine but not consistently. I been treating with a physical therapist since, been seen by a nuerologist, and an orthepidic. I was advised the paid "should" go away anyways but because the xrays dont show any fractures theres not much help.
The insurance company with at fault motorist is Progressive. I been dealing with them directly and they been offering to meet with me to eventually settle. A month ago a rep asked me if I'd take $1500. I advised no. Then he asked to meet with me. I refused and he stated he sent an offer for $1000. (I've done so in a past case and it was a waste of time and unreasonable amt offered).
Is this a joke?
For the record I was just rear ended by a different motorist with Progressive Insurance last year. I treated a few times for back injury and they paid out $4500 and not with out a fight. It was so stressful missing work for therapy and scheduling, late picking my kids up and etc and I eventually just gave in. They clearly know of this prior accident and its evident a hip injury is not the same as a back injury. The adjuster also has no idea about my injuries whenever he calls. He thought it was my finger at 1 point. Always forgets facts of case when he calls.
Are these typical tactics and should I really get an attorney?
I will say I've had my the worst luck in Ma.with bad drivers.(about 8 accidents over a decade)? You can only imagine what kind of shape my back and neck is in at a fairly young age. Thats neither here nor there. My point is I've always been hit from back and have usually settled in past without an attorney. Always thought faxing bills and doctors notes is not worth the 30% an attorney gets for settlement. This is after obtaining attorneys for my 1st few cases and didnt settle for much.
My question is
-should I get an attorney? I have my doctors notes, medical bills at around $10000 maybe, (Progressive asked me and I had to find out at one point) all info needed to settle at this point.
-Or should I move fwd with requesting an offer? I'm still treating but its slow and incoveniant even though its for the best.
-If I feel like the adjuster is just been spiteful or just trying my patience can I request a different adjuster or no?
Any advice greatly appreciated
Hip Injury Settlemet
If you are getting the run-around from the adjuster you should hire an attorney. Insurance adjusters play games with pro se claimaints that they do not with attorneys. In addition, your attorney may opt to send a letter "informing" the adjuster that his/her failure to offer reasonable settlement is a violation of Chapter 93A and 176D, which may entitle you to triple damages and your attorney's fees. Your injuries seem to be more serious than you are making them out to be. Good luck and don't take any crap from the adjuster--their only goal is to settle for the absolute lowest amount they can!
Thanks!!
Nothing like a second opinion. This guy is definetely playing games. I guess my next objective is determining a good lawyer for my case.