Greg Voth wrote:
In my experience (no offense to pigeon) on many claims the lawyers do not warrant the 33% fee they take.
In my experience (no offense to Greg) when the insurance company guy says you don't need a lawyer, you'd come out ahead if you had one. 
I don't doubt that there are some cases where Greg's statement is true, but, as a general rule, those who are represented get substantially higher settlements than those who aren't. The difference is almost always more than enough to offset the attorney's fee.
The settlements are larger usually because the med bills are so much higher. The "soft tissue" injuries where the claimant treats 3 times a week for 3 months. At $100 a pop those bills ad up.
I have never told a claimant they don't need a lawyer. I actually prefer some do so I don't have to talk to them every day. I think lawyers are necessary especially in complex claims or where adjusters are asshats but in run of the mill stuff I don't see the point.
I am hoping to avoid a lawyer. How long should I wait before I go to settle?
I think, if'n I wuz you, I'd add up my medical bills (after they all arrive, and they will still be coming in for months), multiply that by 3, add in the damage to the vehicle to put it back exactly like it was before (or better) or buy another one just like it was, tell them that number. If (when) they scream, then do like Billy3 says and hire a (gasp) lawyer.
"Concussions" are nothing to be taken lightly. Each one results in permanent brain damage. How much and the resulting loss of function (if any) varies greatly. This is why I think that boxing as a sport should not be allowed. Two grown men beating each other until one has brain damage while people pay to watch is just about as sick as dog or cock fighting.
my wreck in '98 totaled my Accord, the ins co. offered half (barely over) of what the state said the car was worth on the previous yrs property tax.... hospital bill were in the range of $25k ... the p&s offer was for another $5k
a friend of mine ( an agent himself) said get a lawyer... we settled at $85k and he ended up taking "only" 25%....
