Two days ago on my way to work on the freeway, I get rear ended while I was stopped in traffic. Jerked my neck and it's starting to grow stiff and sore this morning. At the time of the incident, I got out, took pictures of his license plate, insurance, license, etc... Surprisingly, there's almost NO damage on my bumper, just 2 little hole dents from the guy's front license plate and my bumper came loose on the right side. I just pounded the bumper back securely but it's loose. I called the police, filed a report, and I called the guy's insurance (Farmers). The guy admitted fault to the police saying he let go of the wheel for a second and slammed into me. I also talked to a lawyer and he said he'll deal with the adjuster and in the meantime, he'll get me a rental car while my car's getting repaired and I'll be able to go to a chiropractor for my neck. Lawyer gets 25% of the settlement. Was just wondering what are the outcomes of cases like this? What repairs would be done if my car already looks like it has no damage? Would I have any money to put in my pocket after it's settled? Any experiences or opinions would be appreciated.

 

maybe i read it wrong but your post sounds like your looking for a pay day.
I know it seems to be the American way but, please dont scam the system.

 

there may be hidden damage even though cosmetically, it looks minimal.

also be careful with PI attorneys. they tend to send people to chiros that they have some sort of relationship with in an attempt to ring up the bill. one of my friends just went through this type of "fraud" after he was t-boned. your best bet is to go to a physical therapist for care, but do whatever you feel is best for you. my friend did the chiro stuff...they tried to ring up the bill, he never got any better from the treatments. he's about 10 months from the accident and still has issues with his back and neck. he plans to pursue PT care from a legitimate practitioner.

as far as the money part is concerned, you should get any deductibles or out of pocket costs back from the accident. however PI cases tend to take a while to settle so you maybe waiting a while to get the money back.

 

Lawyers and chiropractors for a fender bender? My last car got totaled in a rear-ending and I didn't go running to any lawyers or doctors...

 

when my car was rearended while I was stopped at a redlight I was more concerned that the other driver was ok, had insurance, etc. Their car was totaled. Never thought of going to a lawyer. I did receive lots of lawyer letters in the mail not long after the accident wanting to represent me- Just wanted my car fixed. Yes it did get fixed, had a rental car and the other driver's insurance paid for it.

 

Did the police give him a ticket for rear ending you? Because it's pretty hard for his insurance adjuster to fight you if the police found him at fault and fined him. A lawyer can get you some more money than if you went it alone, but as you see, they take 25% of any settlement, so you'll have to figure out if it's worth it to use one. A stiff sore neck? See a doctor. If there's damage there, then speak to a lawyer. If it's just a stiff neck for a couple of days and you go to a chiropractor, you may get some money, but not a lot.

The two things you need for a fight. Doctor's diagnosis and proof the police found the other party at fault.


I can't tell, are you bragging or complaining? If you weren't injured that's good. The lawyer is not always needed, but if a person is injured in any way it's best to get checked out.

 

Definitely complaining. There's a whole industry of shysters in Florida that make money off people's minor traffic incidents. They've expended enormous amounts of time and effort convincing everyone that any time one vehicle touches another, you'll have serious, unforeseen injuries and the only way to address them is with my cousin's chiro/pain pill business.

 

Have the dealer check your car out, avoid suing unless you have serious issues AND his insurance doesn't compensate ( dr bills, lost work etc...).

I was rear ended a few years ago, neck was sore for a few days and got better. Don't be looking for some settlement for "pain and suffering". The guy admitted fault, accidents happen.

 

Can't argue with that lol. I know exactly what you mean.

 

See a legit doctor/chiropractor of your chosing to get checked out. Many times the soreness goes away after a day or two....if not, follow up with said doctor/chiropractor.
Smart move that many people forget to in the madness that follows. If the impact was enough to hurt your neck, there is damage under the bumper cover. Pretty much guarantee that the bumper core and support are probably smushed and need to be replaced.
Farmer's will do all of this for you as well.
Why did you go to a lawyer already? Unless you are truly injured or the other insurance company is refusing to repair your vehicle, there is not much reason for a lawyer.

I have been in a handful of accidents over the years and not a single time have I needed a lawyer. I have gone to my normal chiropractor after one of the accidents, but any other soreness has always gone away after 2-3 days. Only one time have I had to use my own insurance since the other company was taking too long to respond. As long as Farmer's is responding to you and taking care of things, you are good to go. Take your car to a trusted body shop to get an estimate outside of what Farmer's does. Quite often the perk of using Farmer's body shop is the warranty they will give you. But you do not have to use their shop if you don't want to. Rarely will you pocket anything from a minor accident. The purpose of insurance is not to give you extra cash...it is to replace/repair what was damaged.

Just do NOT sign any waivers or anything until you know for sure your car is repaired and your neck is fine.

 

I got hit in the right rear quarter of my 07' TLS when it had just 17 miles on it. An old lady pulled out of strip mall & didn't look. When she hit me I was going 30 mph, spun my car around & resulted in 2 herniated discs in my neck, it was a hard impact & I felt my neck pop. I went to the hospital, to a Dr., got MRI, physical therapy, tests, exams & even went to the insurance company Dr's who of course said I was fine. I sued & it went to trial, I LOST. But the insurance company gave me $5,000 just to be nice which my lawyer took 30% plus expenses. I still have neck pain & headaches 6 years later. In reading your accident let me say this: DON'T waste your time. I was honestly injured & the lawyer & Dr's for the insurance company did all they could to discredit me. The lawyer even brought a huge poster into court showing damage to my vehicle & made the accident seem harmless, BTW my entire quarter panel was crushed, $9,000 in damage. You have 2 small indentations on your bumper & want to sue? Hahaaa Goodluck.

 

Let me Add something, which is VERY important. I did not go to the hospital until the next day, The officer on scene offered me an ambulance and I declined, it was noted in the report. Insurance Company lawyers pick up on this & you will be asked about it in court. "So, you say you were seriously injured? Yes Sir. Immediately after the accident you had pain? Dizziness? Yes Sir. Then how come you refused an ambulance to the hospital emergency room at the scene & didn't go see a Dr until the next day or a week later? Uhhhh................Uhhhhhh

 

pay day pay day pay day!