joewathen's Blog

Ask around see who has been in the same situation. You'll probably have to get a lawyer because they're crooked enough to fight the crooked insurance companies.

I have talked to Terry Croupen before of Brown & Croupen, He helped me when a 20 yr old t-boned me and was arrested for DUI. Like you all I wanted was my blazer fixed. She had a camero and hit me hard enough to push me sideways on dry pavement into a telephone pole. He told me what to do to take care of it. The vehicle was fixed and I was paid for the day of work I missed. If it were me and you are still seeing a Dr.I would definitely call a lawyer. Not to try to get rich but like you say just to get your car fixed and not get jerked around by the insurance company.

i guess it all depends on your insurance co. i have state farm. when my car got totaled, since it was paid off, i got a check from them for the BB value, plus some for tax, title, and liscence. if it's the other person's fault, his insurance has to pay you for damages, and your insurance co should deal with his insurance co. you'll also have to see if you have renters on your insurance policy. mine didn't, but i got the state farm discount with enterprise.
i would say talk with your insurance rep.
good luck sunshine.

BTW Joe are you alright?

Well i went through this also. had to get the lawyer. took 4 years to get it settled. after the doc & laywer was paid i got a whole 2700.00 not even the amount of the car i had to buy.

Did the other vehicle have insurance? Was your vehicle covered for unisured motorist? Was there a police report? Was there any witnesses?

A lawyer isnt needed unless the insurance companies are taking care of bills and repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

Was your vehicle totaled or will they fix it?

Well, this is easy for me, since this is what I do. First things first; 1) Police report 2) Report the event to your insurance company and if you have a good agent they will help you through the process 3) If you don't have a good local agent then contact the other company yourself to ask how they intend to take care of you.

The facts are in a small claim, the lawyer will take 30% of what you should already get. Not a good idea if you can get help for free.

Woody Wood Pecker mentioned UNinsured motorist. If the accident happened in Missouri there is no Property Damage UNinsured Motorist coverage offered by any company in Missouri. Therefore they only way to have an UNinsured Motorist claim is first, your injuries have to be caused by someone with no insurance. If the person that hit had insurance, this coverage would not apply.

Email me at mayfield@misn.com and I may be able to help you without you having to pay a lawyer.

Since you usually don't have to pay a lawyer until the case is settled, I say it doesn't hurt to have one. They can usually argue for you and be sure you get what is due you. Usually insurance companies are fair, but it sure wouldn't hurt to have a lawyer.

Good point, SharonC, but I think a lot of people find their own lawyer and don't leave it up to insurance companies. Just my opinion.

Insurance companies use real law firms that you can go to independently. They don't have lawyers that just work for them.