How much should I accept for a Bicycle Injury Accident Caused by Negligence?

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I was in a bicycle accident in June ’08 in Washington as a result of a negligent contractor not posting signs of their hoses obstructing a public access trail. As a result I fractured my writing arm. 8 weeks recovery during the summer months and much inconvenience. The insurance company for the contractor has reimbursed me for my out of pocket medical expenses. What would be a reasonable amount to accept for my pain and suffering? The amount they offered seemed rather insulting to me considering I couldn’t drive my manual transmission car and the fact that my husband had to take time off work to drive me to appointments.

A:You need to consult with an attorney who handles personal injury cases, right away. Nobody can recommend a reasonable settlement amount without viewing all of your medical records. To do otherwise would be foolish at best. It sounds like your concern is that hiring a personal injury attorney will mean less money in your pocket because you have to pay the attorney fee. In my experience, that concern is unfounded. Having a trained professional who focuses on getting reasonable compensation for those who have been injured in a car accident will most likely add more value to your case than you could hope to get on your own. Remember, insurance companies have only one concern: to give you as little as possible. It is crucial to level the playing field by hiring your own personal injury attorney here in Washington.