My wife was in a car accident last night that was not her fault. Please help me understand this insurance...?

She went to Urgent Care last night to get x-rayed. Everything seemed to be OK, she may go back for 1 or 2 follow ups if she feels worse, but seems OK.

State Farm insurance, which is the insurance of the guy who hit my wife, called her today, asked about the accident, and if she received medical attention. She said she did and that she may go for a follow up appointment, or something more if the pain worsened.

The agent said, "OK, call me at this number when you want a settlement."

What does that mean? Settlement to pay the bills? Settlement for time lost at work (at least one day)? Settlement for extra like pain and suffering? Settlement for the car (which was totalled)? Or a settlement for ALL of these things? I mean, what do we do? give them receipts? Give them an estimate of damages plus a little extra for pain and suffering? I just don't know what that meant? Please help.

Kizzy

The other insurance company is responsible for medical, pain/suffering, lost wages. Settlement depends on the state your in as different states have different laws.

You should report this to your own carrier, as they can assist in getting your vehicle repaired if you have collision coverage. If you don't carry collision, your dependent on the other carrier and need to keep on them for an inspection.

Have your wife go in for the treatment she needs (reasonable & necessary). Keep all receipts and the information of what your health plan paid out.

When she's done treating, you can present all the bills to that carrier. They will put together a settlement offer.

Patricia W

I would like to suggest to try to get as much information as you could before making up your mind,here http://www.AutoInsuranceFree.info is a very resourceful one.

calipink22

It's a settlement for the complete medical portion of the accident. It includes any medical pills, perscriptions, appointments, loss of wages, pain and suffering...everything. Most insurance companies will not offer settlement until your wife is released from a licensed physician. Once that happens then call up the insurance agency and let them know, then you can start with a settlement

Laura

Phone your insurance company and ask them to talk to the other driver's company for you. They know what they are doing..most of the time. I would say a settlement would be for lost wages, medical expenses, damage to vehicle or cost to replace it. I do not know if they would want to give you anything for pain and suffering, that would probably take a lawyer. If the accident is probably not going to cause her pain for the rest of her life or interfere with her quality of life from now on, you probably won't get anything for pain and suffering, but the other things should be taken care of. Good luck!!

Suz

Once you add up all your expenses from the accident, call the agent and give him your total & then go from there...

Personally, though, I'd have your ins. agent handle things for you... that's what you pay for... and have him serve as laison.

p.s. I hope your wife is okay.

Jamerican Steve

Do you have Limited or Full Tort? In any case, speak with your agent (if you have one) or a rep at your insurance company.

They will know more to you locale and policy and can assist you further.

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort
http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Aug/1/132276.html

davante d

where are you located sir different state with different laws but yeah go for in estimate for the damages and forward all your medical bills to your insurance company and let them handle it from there. Also they should have a copy of the police report or you can provide them, well you didn't mention if party called the cops but anyways just do that for now
Now for the damages if she is injured badly you can heavy money if you decide to sue if you tell me where you live i can provide you with my services to also see an attorney

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