Car accident compensation

Pobby

Last October my wife was stationary and was hit by another car writing hers off.The guy has admitted liability.Injuries were bruising to knee and chest,whiplash and further damage to her lower back.My wife is still undergoing treatment and still suffers pain.The cheeky insurance company has offered £1,400 in settlement which we have been strongly advised to turn down.

What figure would you think is a reasonable settlement?

Bossyboots

Is this settlement for the injuries?

Has she been medically examined and a report prepared or her medical records supplied to back up her claim?

If she turns this offer down, I would expect the insurers to commission a report by an orthopaedic expert to examine the extent of injury and ongoing problems.

Pobby

Yes to all the above.Been examined by paramedics,doctor and orthopedic doctor.It was the latter that arranged for treatment at the expense of the insurance company.

mattymoo

The early offer is a typical take it and go away type offer.
Whiplash alone, is worth around £1500 for 4-5 months suffering. Only goes up to around £2000-£2500 after a year of suffering though.

The lower back one is an unusual one in a car accident. Bruising to knee and chest is from the dash and seatbelt. Normally clears pretty quickly and only worth £200-£300.

I would suggest your wife sit tight and see what the long term prognosis will be. This is normally clearer after 12-18 months. She will know at that stage whether the problems will be long term and the insurers would be asked to increase their offer.

Astaroth

We would give £1400 for mutliple soft tissue injuries that last 6-7 months

"further damage" suggests that there was some pre-existing injury which would negatively impact the settlement amount.

12 months PSLA on multiple injuries would be £1750-2000 but again, as pre-existing more likely nearer the lower end. We normally wouldnt go as high as £2500 until it was 18 months

What is the prognosis at this point for her?

Pobby

Will be getting another prognosis in a couple of weeks.