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Posted Dec 1st, 2011
I got hit by a semi truck a hit and run my neck has two herniated disc Doctor says permanent
damage!

Additional Details:
There was a police report a witness called the cops and got him pulled him over he was also under
the influence of crystal meth. I am in the settlement part of the lawsuit with all medical bills
adds up to 25k but my neck hurts every night and i am scared to death to get on the turn pike i have
to take medication because i think some one else is going to hit me. How long till they offer a
settlement and what do you think they will offer and if they offer me something i don''t like which
they probably will how long will it take to go to trial over it? Any input would be greatly
appreciated.!!! David.
Legal Topic Area: Personal Injury in FL | 4 Answers

1st Answer

I think you have a case with a very large settlement value, both because of your injuries and the fact that the driver was on crystal meth. I think you should contact a local lawyer with a good reputation in personal injury law. As a general rule you will end up with a much larger amount, even after paying a percentage to the attorney. It will also probably happen faster than if you do it on your own.

Good Luck

Andy Gillin, Senior Partner

GJEL Accident Attorneys


Answered on Dec 1st, 2011 at 3:14pm


Other Answers

My best advice is to seek the advice of an attorney who handles these types of matters before doing anything further.


Answered on Dec 27th, 2011 at 10:30am

Do not try to settle your claim on your own! Insurance companies are very smart, and will not offer you their best offer. There is no real timetable as to when the company can make you an offer. It makes no sense to have any negotiations until you have the proper medical records documenting your permanent injury. Any responsible personal injury attorney would not give you a settlement figure without reviewing your medical records and the entire case. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area for a free consultation. You will be glad you did. Best of luck.

Steven A. Schwartz

Attorney/Partner

JOEL H. SCHWARTZ, P.C.

One Washington Mall, 16th floor

Boston, MA 02108

(617) 742-1170

(800) 660-2270

(617) 250-2072 fax

sas@joelhschwartz.com

Answered on Jan 16th, 2012 at 2:37pm

Mr. Massie:

I'm sorry to learn of your accident and injury. Although it's not perfectly clear from your email, it appears as if you have already hired a lawyer. If this is true, these are all questions that you need to ask him/her. If you haven't hired a lawyer, I think you should, and quickly. There are a number of things that a lawyer would know to do to put pressure on the semi-driver's insurer to get the case settled more quickly for an amount that represented fair compensation for your injuries. Making an educated guess about whether an insurer will offer to settle a case and, if it does, when it will make the offer requires much more information than you've included in your email. How long it will take to get to trial is easier to estimate, but again, we would need to know where you are in the process-- has suit been filed, have depositions been taken, and a variety of other questions. In short, these are all good questions which you need to ask your lawyer, and if you don't have one, I think you should call someone right away.

Michael Clancy


Answered on Jan 20th, 2012 at 1:02pm