Q: Legal advice on a third party at work in company vehicle auto injury settlement.
I was rear ended by a third party while at work in a company vehicle. They’re trying to settle a day after the accident but I had to miss more days of work due to being out on light duty and having to have the doctor sign. I’m not trying to get as much money as possible but at the same time, I don’t know what is the appropriate amount to agree to.
A:
You should absolutely talk to a lawyer before you agree to any settlement. We have seen it over and over, the insurance company is highly motivated to settle your case cheaply before you get any advice. They will also try to commit you to saying you are feeling OK, that your injuries aren't serious, whatever helps them and that they can use against you later.
Maybe they are offering you a fair amount. But if you are still missing work and having any kind of financial or physical damage at all, you should definitely give a call to a lawyer and just get some advice.
An attorney, if you hire one, gets paid out of the final settlement. You will almost always end up with more money in your pocket if you let an attorney handle the case for you.
A:
At this point, no one would know the answer to the question that you ponder about what an appropriate amount is for your claim. That is because you do not yet know the complete outcome of your injuries. I hope there is nothing serious you suffered. But medical documentation that would be used to quantify your damages is yet to materialize, in terms of what your treating doctors find necessary (imaging studies, physical therapy, diagnostic testing, etc.). You mention being at work in a company vehicle. You should probably consult with a workers' compensation attorney if you haven't already to learn your rights there and what you need to do to preserve them. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
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