If I was hit by a drunk driver, what is a good amount to settle for?

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If I was hit by a drunk driver, what is a good amount to settle for?

I was side-swiped by a drunk teen who was making an illegal U turn. It was a hit and run and the teen’s bumper fell off along with her license plate. She was followed by an off-duty police officer who witnessed the accident. I saw a doctor for my neck pain and was recommended to a chiropractor. He treated me weekly for 5 months and then released me. The teen was uninsured. The adjuster for my own auto insurance wants to settle for $1,500. Is this a good figure? This settlement offer came this week, just a month after my chiropractor appointments ended. I was seen by a doctor the day of the crash and he prescribed me Cyclobenzaprine and 600 mg Ibuprophen (which I paid for).

Asked on June 28, 2013 under Personal Injury, California

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

The fact is that there are many factors which affect the value of settlement in such a case. At this point you should consult with a personal injury attorney so that they can guide you through the process. Statistics show that victims represented by legal counsel recover more of an award(even after the attorney's fee is deducted).

Tricia Dwyer / Tricia Dwyer Esq & Associates PLLC

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

Hello. You ought to have a private attorney assist you and the attorney will give you legal advice as to  the advisability of accepting the settlement offer. The attorney will also oversee the terms of the offer. Some attorneys are available seven days for emergency legal needs. Many attorneys will confer initially at no charge. Then, if legal work is performed, some attorneys will provide a reduced fee for financial hardship. Some attorneys may also assist you in limited scope manner to conserve legal costs. All the best.


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