Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jake Barnes]

I was recently involved in a traffic accident. I was riding my scooter and was hit by a driver doing something completely illegal and has admitted fault. The accident gave me a leg broken in two places, a badly dislocated ankle, and all the ligaments around my ankle were pretty much ruined. I spent a little over a week in the hospital so could have surgery and recover. The driver��s insurance company was great in taking care of all the costs and everything but now comes the next part.....settlement. I have been given a little advice on this topic but I am still very green about it. The insurance company wants to settle soon yet friends suggest waiting as long as possible to deal with any unforeseen complications. I guess the most important question is how much should I get/ask for???? I will be unable to work for at least 6 weeks and will be doing rehab for quite some. It's really going to mess up my travel plans for this summer when I am supposed to be heading back home twice for two different weddings. Has any experience in this type of situation? How did things play out for you and how much did you receive in the way of compensation? I just really don't want to get F*d over in this deal so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[BigBlackEquus]

You need to seek legal advice on this.

You should be asking for a lot. They are hoping to get this over with before you figure it out.

[ThePoet]

Insurance companies always want you to settle as soon as possible, it doesn't matter where in the world you are. However, take some advice, do not setle without seeing a lawyer. A lawyer will have tables detailing a) the amount a typical injury will cost over years (based on time lost at work from flare-ups, etc), and b) how much other people have gotten for similar injury claims. Also, a lawyer will tell you how long you have in this country before having to file a claim. In Canada it is 1 year from the time of the accident, and you should use as much of that time as possible before settling.

A friend of mine in Canada got into an accident and settled for what they thought was reasonable for a few broken teeth and a sore back. 20 years later, he has had to have several surgeries to correct TMJ and has not been able to eat right or get a decent nights sleep. He is also in advanced pain in his back and is on massive muscle relaxants each day. The actual symptoms did not appear for 6 or 7 months after the accident. The settlement he got has paid roughly 1/50th of the amount he has lost in extra surgery, lost time, lost enjoyment of life, etc.

Don't sign anything, don't tell them you will sign anything until you see a lawyer about this (and I am someone who HATES lawyers).

Poet

[chiaa]

It all depends on the amount of time out of work the doctor writes on a piece of paper for just these kinds of situations.

The longer the time, the more you get. So get the doc to write a few months on there.

From what I hear all of this will have nothing to do with the insurance company and the cop shop will act as a go between as well

(first two paragraphs I know are fact, third is just what I have heard).

[itaewonguy]

I think its to late!
when you filled out the forms with the police and the insurance guy came to see you and told you whats happening.. thats the end!
you should have told the police then you were looking for compensation
if you didnt the case is closed! from what I believe..

the insurance company will take care of your bike, and your hospital bills
missed days etc..
the other guy he had insurance you wont get anything from him!!

and why should you? thats why he pays insurance!
you should have taken it up with the insurance guys! guess they screwed you!!