Ok so my girlfriend was driving along when another car who wasn't paying attention clipped my girlfriend's car from behind and sent her into a telephone pole. The car was kaput - totalled. My girlfriend is okay, but she does have pains in her neck and back and has limited mobility there.

Now her pains and aches aren't going to prevent her from going to work or anything (she sits behind a computer all day anyway) but they are definitely bothersome. Everyone (police report, insurance, other driver) agrees it was the other driver's fault, so the other driver's insurance is paying for everything. But it's also a hassle for my girlfriend to have to work and negotiate with the other person's insurance when neither of us has ever done it before. (my girlfriend had insurance but didn't have collision coverage on her car, so her insurance company says they aren't responsible for talking to the other insurance company)

So my question is: would it be beneficial to get a personal injury/car accident lawyer? Anyone had experience with those guys? Is her case too minor to be considered? Would she get a better settlement, or is it just too much trouble for too little benefit?

Thanks!

 

yes get a lawyer what do you have lose? NOTHING

 

In this case there is substantial damage and injuries so a lawyer is applicable. My mom is part of a law firm so I usually see her deal with these cases because there is a percentage taken if you sue or look for money so make sure you think it is worth it. If you find nobody that you like then PM me so I can find you legal assistance.

 

get a lawyer. my bro got hit from behind also. just a little scratch and dent but the lawyer was able to get him some $. you will win on this one since the car is totalled. just make sure you have her visit the hospital for neck pain every so often.

 

Absolutely get a lawyer. From some of the posts here, you are getting some wrong info. You need to see a lawyer who limits his/her practice to personal injury. You will get the best advice and the best recovery. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency. If you get $$ they get a percentage. PI lawyers work hard to get the largest recovery possible.

Without boring anyone - if you're involved in a car accident or other injury claim in Ohio - check out www.gruhin.com

Mike

 

To echo what everyone else said, get a lawyer.

Also, if you don't get a lawyer, do NOT settle right away. Wait for ALL pain to go away - they pay the settlement based on how long you are recovering (I waited two months when I was in an accident). Just make sure you keep track of any money you spend on the recovery (doctor's bills, medication, etc, etc) as well.

A lawyer is a very good idea, though - between pain and suffering, stress, semi-loss of mobility, and increased difficulty doing work, you should be able to get quite a few dollars (ie, tens of thousands). I got over $3K for two months of recovering from a neck/shoulder injury that only made me lose two days of work but did keep me from playing sports (which I do a lot) for two+ months. If her injuries persist (totalling the car will make the injuries seem "worse"), you should easily get $10K to $20K (before your lawyer takes 25% ).

 

Wow, thanks for the help everyone. So it seems like our first step should be just to consult a lawyer then.

R-tistik s2k, you've got PM!

Thanks again everyone!