Hit and run auto accident

by Guest » Sun Nov 30, 2008 05:22 pm
Guest

I was T-boned 08/18/2008. I carry uninsured motor vehicle Bodily Injury 25,000/50,000. My medical costs (ambulance, emergency room, primary care physician follow-up and physical therapy) total out at $7,545.25. My auto insurance company is paying all the costs and told me they would get back to me with a settlement. What is a fair settlement? I no longer am getting physical therapy and have recovered well (back and neck injury).

Total Comments: 7

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 03:57 pm Post Subject: insurance

MJB...got a question. That 'Uninsured Motorist Insurance'...is this AUTOMATICALLY in a car insurance policy or do you have to ask for it? Is it ONLY 'Full Coverage'..or...in 'Liability', too?

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 05:41 pm Post Subject:

What is a fair settlement?

MJB, That is really a question only you can answer...don't forget any lost wages those will also be paid..figure how long you couldn't live your 'normal' life, doing things without pain.. how it impacted your family (ie spouse had to do what you normally do etc.)...usually in minor injuries such as these (i know it wasn't minor to you and certainly don't mean to minimize it)...but there will be a range of 500-1000 so remember that your adjuster will be starting at the bottom of the range...if i were you i would insist they make the first offer, then give yourself some time to think about it..feel free to come back once you get the inital offer and discuss any questions you have also when doing so let us know the state and general area you are in this can make a difference.

SD

That 'Uninsured Motorist Insurance'...is this AUTOMATICALLY in a car insurance policy or do you have to ask for it? Is it ONLY 'Full Coverage'..or...in 'Liability', too?

Where have you been ? :lol: UM is required in most states just like BI in states that it is required in of course you would have it, in the others you must request it...it is considered under the liability portion...although I've never understood why really...anyway...if PA required it (and i think it does) you have atleast the minium..which I think the OP does as well....there is no such thing as ''full coverage''...if by that you mean collision and comp...or non-required coverages...again as i said :lol: if your state requires it you have it..

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 10:25 pm Post Subject: insurance

:oops: I guess I had a 'Senior Moment', LORI. Pa DOES require it. I've had a cold, the last few days. Maybe I need to lay off the 'drugs'. :shock:

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 01:04 am Post Subject:

Yep PA does require it. They also have something else in place now SD. Apparently you have to sign a waiver now if you do not want your insurance "stacked". Some law was passed shortly ago about it. If you do not sign the waiver your vehicles will automatically be stacked.

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 02:26 am Post Subject: insurance

"Stacked?" What's that mean? I've never heard of that term.

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 02:12 pm Post Subject:

ins.state.pa.us/ins/cwp/view.asp?a=1274&Q=546437&PM=1


I just did a copy/paste of this info. from The Pa. Dept. of Ins. F.A.Q.


16. What is the minimum required insurance coverage needed to own and operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania?

The minimum required coverages in Pennsylvania are:


• Medical Benefits — This pays medical bills for you and others covered on your policy regardless of fault. The minimum limit is $5,000 of coverage. Higher limits are available.


• Bodily Injury Liability — If you injure someone in a car accident, this coverage pays their medical and rehabilitation expenses and any damages for which you are found liable. The minimum limit is $15,000/$30,000. The $15,000 pays for injuries to one person, while the $30,000 represents the total available for one accident.


• Property Damage Liability — If you damage someone's property in an accident and you are at fault, this coverage pays for it. The minimum limit is $5,000 of coverage. Some companies offer a single limit of $35,000, which meets the bodily injury liability and property damage liability minimum requirements.



I Don't see UM listed. Or am I looking right at it and not seeing it??


FK,

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 02:44 pm Post Subject:

no fred...looks like you found the right thing apparently med pay is required (med bills only NO pain and suffering would be paid)...and bi and pd..however the pd limits are EXTREMELY low...fred you can also vouch for that...5k is just a little above an average hit now a days...would scare me to death to be driving around with 5K PD limits...wow!!!!

so if you want UM you have to request it..in PA I'd say they are definately in the minority as most states require it...

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