Saint Petersburg, FL asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Florida

Q: What if I was rear ended and was found not at fault.

What would be my option in a settlement for future medical problems? Should I release any future responsibility for medical problems for a settlement of 10,000? I have 2 herniated disc and 7 bulging disc in my neck and back.

5 Lawyer Answers

A: I suggest that you speak with a personal injury attorney ASAP regarding your claim. Most personal injury attorneys handle the case on the contingency and they will look to see if there is more coverage than just the $10,000.00 being offered. When you speak with a personal injury attorney be sure to let them know that the insurance company is already offering you the $10,000.00 and that you want to be sure to not waive any rights if there is more coverage. Also, some personal injury attorneys will not seek a fee on the money you have been offered, but some might. At this point you are representing yourself so you need to ask a lot of questions and put careful thought into how you proceed. ie: by hiring a lawyer (and paying him or her a fee, or a reduced fee since you already have an offer to settle) and going it on your own.

Michael Nicholas Lygnos agrees with this answer

A: You write too well for a person who is apparently clueless about how releases work. If you sign a release, you give up all future rights. I do not know if your herniated and bulging discs were caused by the rear end accident or if you are a professional wrestler with pre-existing or post accident injuries. A $10,000 settlement is not much settlement for all that injury.

Maybe there is more insurance or other assets available. A professional would check on it. Do not trust insurance adjusters.

Do you have a UM policy? Were you a passenger in someone else's car, or was it your car? There are dozens of questions that a professional would ask. Thereafter, you would have good information. Get a lawyer, or at least consult with one for an hour or so to get the right information.

A: Contact a member of the Fla. Justice Assn--they give free consultations. It's not a d.i.y. situation.

Leland E. Garvin
PREMIUM
Answered

A: I agree with the other lawyers who previously answered this question; If there was only $10,000.00 in available coverage and you did not have UM insurance and the driver (or vehicle owner) has no assets to speak of then maybe taking the 10k is not a bad idea but I would definitely contact an attorney.

A: You should at least consult with an attorney before settling. Most will do free consultations.

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