Adv on 3rd party claim against errant car driver

[viruskbs]

My wife was hit by a car while crossing on a pedestrian crossing.

She suffered a fractured knee for which she was hospitalised for 1 day and is on 2 month MC. according to the doctor, full recovery may take upto 6 months or more.

We contacted the insurance company of the driver for the process about filing 3rd party claim.

the insurance company has proposed that they will be appointing an investigator who will contact us and assess about the medical claims and other damages which the insurance company will pay us. however we have the option to counter propose and reject if we feel the offer is too low.

No lawyers are involved in the process till now.

 

 

1. Our Hospitalisation expenses (including MRI scan & CT scan) and the subsequent follow up > 5k till now. There will be monthly follow ups and she will need to go for rehab and physio for at least 6 months( may be weekly sessions, not sure yet)

 

2. I understand that we can file for injury claims within 3 years following the accident.

3. we have filed a police report and case is under investigation. We have submitted all the documents to the IO.

 

So my queries are-

1. How impartial are these 3rd party investigators in assessing the claims and offer of compensation.

2. as the follow up is prolonged should we wait for the injury to get better and see whether there are any complications or should we settle it now.

Most of the friends i have talked to are asking me to talk to a lawyer, but i understand that they charge a lot or may take a portion of the compensation which is offered. so is it really necessary to engage a lawyer or we can just proceed without one.

 

Any help and advise will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[Galantspeedz]

What's the sum you have in your mind

[viruskbs]

not sure what is the benchmark and where to start.

My wife's loss of income, multiple physio sessions, need to taxi to and from from work, my daughter has PSLE this year. i have to take leave. my in laws came from India, and we were planning for june holidays which did not materealise.

20k, 30k. i am not sure

 

Medical expenses alone may be go upwards of 10k.

[inlinesix]

not sure what is the benchmark and where to start.

My wife's loss of income, multiple physio sessions, need to taxi to and from from work, my daughter has PSLE this year. i have to take leave. my in laws came from India, and we were planning for june holidays which did not materealise.

20k, 30k. i am not sure

 

Medical expenses alone may be go upwards of 10k.

 

List everything that you have in mind as detail as possible.

 

The amount offered will not be whatever Insurer surveyor determines.

[Sci10213]

not sure what is the benchmark and where to start.

My wife's loss of income, multiple physio sessions, need to taxi to and from from work, my daughter has PSLE this year. i have to take leave. my in laws came from India, and we were planning for june holidays which did not materealise.

20k, 30k. i am not sure

 

Medical expenses alone may be go upwards of 10k.

 

If you are NOT in urgent need of $$$ now:

 

1. Keep all receipts (medical & non-medical) relating to the accident/injury.

 

2. Need to see the doctor's diagnosis on your wife's condition - I suppose it was quite recent, hence need to wait until she is fully recovered.

 

3. The investigators are just gathering facts for now & the insurer of the car may not propose anything yet.

 

4. If there is an offer now or within the next few months, do NOT be pressured to settle for the sum proposed by the investigator/insurer.

 

5. There are many lawyers out there who can help you file claim. Maybe some fees are needed but feel free to check around. Do NOT be pressured by any lawyer to sign any document.

[Galantspeedz]

not sure what is the benchmark and where to start.

My wife's loss of income, multiple physio sessions, need to taxi to and from from work, my daughter has PSLE this year. i have to take leave. my in laws came from India, and we were planning for june holidays which did not materealise.

20k, 30k. i am not sure

 

Medical expenses alone may be go upwards of 10k.

 

since you have a number, now wait for insurer number... if lower then work towards your target sum

 

if higher than take and go

 

as with all things that comes to money.... A will usually start with a low offer while B will usually want a high compensation

[viruskbs]

Bro.. I'm not an expert on your queries.. but I sincerely wish and hope for your wife to have a speedy recovery.

 

I know it's not gonna be easy with the physio and daily mobility , to and fro to hosp. But I hope she recovers asap. Don't fret about the June hols, you have dec hols to look forward to. Take care bro.

 

Thanks.

 

I was thinking aloud on what costs to include in the claims. So it was just one of the points in the list.

[Little_prince]

get a lawyer to safeguard your own interest.

 

they will be able to advise better.

 

no point short change yourself.

[andrewyewkc]

Get a lawyer ASAP. The other side's insurance will always try to down your rightful claims. Also you must not make any missteps which a lawyer would be able to advise.