There are two parts to a car wreck settlement when injuries are involved.
1 - Settlement for the truck. You can do this right now and accept what book value is on the truck, since it's totaled, because that is all you are going to get from them for the truck loss.
2 - Settlement for the medical side. Take a breath and relax, and work on YOU getting better. You are not obligated to do any more right now, since the insurance has been notified.
DO NOT be in any hurry to sign ANYTHING, except settlement for the truck to pay it off if needed. And make sure the papers you sign are ONLY for the truck settlement part. You have "plenty" of time to interview attorneys, and decide who you are comfortable in having represent you.
You have insurance, so you're covered for your medical bills and your truck.
Again, you have plenty of time (MONTHS) to interview.
Hope you get well soon.
The doctors were most likely "building a ticket", and performing as many tests as possible to rob the insurance company. It's all corrupt as hell on that end, and why we pay so much.
On the medical settlement, usually the case is worth three times medical expenses. Standard lawyer fees for no pay up front are:
33% settlement, no lawsuit filed.
40% lawsuit filed, settle out of court.
50% go to trial.
If you read up, and get educated, you might be able to settle up yourself with the insurance and come out with more money in your pocket, rather than letting a lawyer get their large cut. Problem is, the lawyers at the insurance companies make that angel very difficult, and almost refuse to get right when they know they are dealing with someone not educated in settlement tactics, unless you lawyer up.
Those airbags failed. They just haven't had enough reported yet for the government open a case and demand a recall on yet, so you have that to go after too.
The big issue is making sure you don't have any medical issues that arise later on, and that is why you give plenty of time to recovery before you settle, unless you have in the settlement that later issues that arise are covered. That takes getting the settlement written up right, and most likely will require you obtaining an attorney to review it.
The above is what I'd do, and is not to be taken as legal advice. It is opinion only.
Just take your time. Hope you get better.
Last edited by ElkSlayer91; 02/25/21.
