Any insurance folks here? Compensation Q.

[nhlkats]

I was injured in a car crash, looking for rough estimates of how much I should ask, insurance co wants to close the case.

I was passenger. Driver of the vehicle I was in lost control (his own fault, no other cars involved), and went into a tree. He was fine, I injured my dominant wrist (bone chip, sprained).

For 7 months I couldn't write (I am student at university -- had to take special measures for exams, hw, etc), dress myself (ever tried putting pants on with one hand? Going to the restroom?), or feed myself with my dominant hand. Plus it was very painful. It never fully recovered, but now its about as good as it will get.

I am just looking for ballpark figures of what others ask/get for similar injuries/situations in these types of claims and compensation cases.

Any feedback is appreciated.
Regards.

[AZ Greg]

You don't need advice from someone in the insurance business, you need a lawyer!

[osbornk]

I handled insurance claims for over 31 years and I don't think you have enough information to make a determination at this point. You should probably consult a lawyer (not hire at this point). Before you see him, you should be examined by a specialist to determine if you have a permanent injury (and the degree). You need to know the policy limit of the driver (and your underinsured motorist coverage if you have it), your specials (medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses directly related to the accident) and details of the accident (police report & witnesses). If your specials are substantial, the policy limits are low and the injury is permanent, you may be able to get policy limits without a lawyer (assuming the other driver does not have substantial assets and your own underinsured motorists coverage is low or you have none).

If you decide to hire a lawyer, choosing the right one can make a substantial difference in what you recover. You want the lawyer that the insurance companies hate the most. They hate him because he is the most successful when he goes against them. Insurance companies knows which attorneys always settle and never go to court. They also know which ones go to court unprepared and which ones do a good job. They base their offers and settlement on their knowledge of the attorneys as well as the details of the claim.

[535is]

You also need to keep in mind the statute of limitations for such actions in Wisconsin - and do not expect a lawyer to be able to file a case for you less than a month after you first called him or her. IOW, consult NOW, not later.