Need some lawsuit advice

[CaptaiN_JacK]

I got in an accident last December which left me with a 6 inch scar on my forehead, a deep gash in my chin, a collapsed lung (had to have a tube in chest for about 2 weeks after accident), broken collerbone, and a bruised spleen. It was completely the other persons fault, he ran a stop sign in a 55 mph speed zone going 45 mph (it was in the country) and nailed my drivers side (I was driving alone, there was no ice, no rain, it wasn't slippery, and there was nothing to block his sight). Intensive care for 3 days, regular hospital for 2 more days. I spent Christmas and my birthday with a sling and a 10 inch tube sticking out of my chest.

So my question is, what is a good dollar amount to go for in court? His insurance company called yesterday and offered $50,000, but I went to a plastic surgeon and he said the scar revisions will cost about $10,000, so that already brings it down to $40k and then theres future surgeries that I might need. I really have no idea what dollar amount I should be going for in court, so I'm trusting the (older, more experienced) members of AO to help me out.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Blennidae]

Sounds like it was a nasty accident. As for the dollar amount, I would think that would be something to ask YOUR lawyer. Tell him what the doctor told you. I'd bet the lawyer would have a better idea what you are able to receive in compensation.

[teufelhunden]

100 BILLION DOLLARS!


But yeah, AO isn't where I'd go for legal counsel..

[ryanshep]

u should get atleast 100k for it, thats my opinion

go tell his insurance company that a 15 year old kid thinks you should get 100k theyll listen

[CaptaiN_JacK]

I've talked to a lawyer, but lawyers have somewhat biased opinions considering they will be getting 30% of it. I'm asking you guys becasue maybe one of you has been involved in an auto lawsuit and has some idea of what to shoot for.

[Restola]

Ask your lawyer what a typical settlement in this kind of case is. Ask him what his fee is. If what's left doesn't sound like enough, ask another lawyer.

[lord1234]

you realistically should call your local legal counsel. Find somebody you trust...maybe a family friend who won't look at you as a giant $$$. Personally a suit like that should go for about 80-100k.

--Lord1234

[CaptaiN_JacK]

ok thanks for the advice

[Crighton]

Go for the big money. Your permanently scarred on your face from his screw up.

[jdev]

just as an FYI, you know that his Auto insturance may not cover something that high. Im not sure how i works in your state, but here, your auto insurance will only cover so much. The last accident I was in, but, other driver was at fault, tried to sue me (my insurance company) for $24,000. I had the mass state minimums for insurance, no collision or anything.. so, they would only cover $20,000. Guy ended up losing in court, but, thats not the point.

this guys insurance policy may only cover $50k, and that may be all you will get from him. the best advice I can give you, as someone who knows, and has a mother that has a PhD in criminal justice, go ask an attornery, ask several if need be. there is also something called "stacking policies", whereas, you can go after the persons homeowners insurance as well. Im not sure if this is still legal, but, when my mother was starting out as a paralegal a while back, it was, here.. not sure about there. check into it with a lawyer. Remember, a lawyer is going to try and get you as much money in settlement as possible, because they will generally get 30-33% of it. you may have to bite the bullett on that. if you go in swinging asking for $100k +, and have nothing to substansiate your claim, you will be laughed out of court, and assed out with no money for your troubles.

bottom line i guess, try a lawyer, several if needed. if one doesnt sit right with you, thank them for their time, and ask another.

[Hexis]

Remember any legal advice obtained here will be worth exactly what you pay for it.

[Python14]

Eleventy Billion dollars!

[Oh_Davey]

If it were me...

I'd add up all the surguries you will have to have to fix everything, lawyer fees, discomfort, hospital bills it already cost you, and maybe a lil sumthin for yourself.

[SMG]

info

You should not be dealing with the insurance company directly. Get the best PI attorney in your area. They take this type of case on contingency and it will not cost you a dime out of pocket. If there is adequate insurance this could be a very substantial case. Especially if there is some permanancy. If you need to find a good lawyer in your area you can contact me. I am an attorney in Chicago and would be happy to assit you in finding a good attorney who is qualified in handling this type of matter in Minnesota.

[CaptaiN_JacK]

I found out that his insurance goes up to 50k, but I'm almost certain that he has an umbrella policy close to a million because his dad owns a huge farming operation and people with large farms almost always have umbrella policies so that they don't lose their farms. Smg, whats a PI attorney?