topic Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer in SmorgasBoard

DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

NoMoreE46 — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 02:56:19 GMT

Recently my wife got rear-ended by another driver. The other driver's insurance company accepted full liability. She was offered $500 along with $700 for our two children as a settlement less than three days post accident. Is this amount typical?

First and most importantly no one was badly hurt. Her air bags didn't deploy. She does have seat belt burn from the retraction. She did get a medical evaluation and the report notes some contusion.

The estimated speed of the rear ending is about 30-40 mph. Her car is going to be assessed for repair. The other car at fault is a total loss.

Any words of advice appreciated.

Thanks

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 03:05:21 GMT

Wait for repair assessments. The settlement offers from the other side are always low ball offers trying to get you to accept far less than they are actually liable for.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-happens-if-i-turn-down-the-car-insurance-companys-first-settlement-offer.html

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Gunnerboy — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 03:09:21 GMT

@NoMoreE46 Never accept the first settlement offer. You might to contact an attorney and ask for a free consultation.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 04:05:05 GMT

They're offering a settlement so soon to nip any potential problems in the bud. I'd contact an attorney.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 05:09:55 GMT

Contact a PI attorney.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Bankrupt2019 — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:30:50 GMT

They want you to accept that offer to absolve them of responsibility of any future claims or hardships resulting from the accident. I'd consult an attorney.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

NoMoreE46 — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:31:01 GMT

Thanks to all for the replies. A few more details.
We are in a No Fault state (FL). The car that rear ended us has insurance and is tagged from CA. The driver at fault has a FL license is a family member of the car owner.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Jnbmom — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:00:22 GMT

@NoMoreE46 wrote:
Thanks to all for the replies. A few more details.
We are in a No Fault state (FL). The car that rear ended us has insurance and is tagged from CA. The driver at fault has a FL license is a family member of the car owner.

I agree with others consult an attorney, they are trying to get away with as little as possible.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

Shooting-For-800 — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:08:37 GMT

Most big attorneys need no money down.

They just take a chunk of settlement.

Re: DW got rear ended and got settlement offer

CreditCuriosity — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:21:03 GMT

I work in the insurance industry not in auto, but another line of insurance. Usually we will try to settle if we know we most likely will lose in court. If we are pretty certain we will win in court we will goto court every time and fight it even if our expenses(lawyers) outweigh what a person is seeking through their suit/claim, etc. reason is matter of principle and precedence. Irony is most of our claims come around nov/dec. thinking they can have some holiday money yet they don't know it will usually be a 5-8 year ordeal with the company I work for.

TLDR; they are offering to settle as they know most likely you will win alot more money.