How long must I wait for injury compensation?

by Dianne
(Grants Pass, Oregon)

I was rear-ended by a truck on October 31, 2010 while I was making a legal, left hand turn. The woman who hit me was passing another vehicle on a corner, crossing a double yellow line to do so.

I had "soft tissue" injuries, for which I went to a physical therapist for over two months. My glasses flew out my window in the accident. So because I couldn't see AND because I no longer had a vehicle, I wasn't able to get to a job interview I scheduled for the first week in November (in Medford, Oregon).

The job interview was for a graphic design position. These jobs are very rare in Southern Oregon and it took a long time to finally find an opening somewhere. (I'm a laid off newspaper ad designer).

I still haven't received any injury compensation from the insurance company of the woman who hit me. How long must I wait? Thank you.

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "How long must I wait for injury compensation?":

Dianne:

From the facts you present it is difficult to know if you have already filed a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you have not it's vitally important you do so at your earliest convenience.

Filing a claim is not terribly complicated. Just call the 800 number located with the insurance information given to you by the at-fault driver. Report the claim. Within a few days you should receive a telephone call from an insurance claims adjuster. She will take your recorded statement and will investigate the collision. Be sure you get the claim number as a reference for future communications.

The adjuster will review the bills from your therapist and any bills which can be directly related to your injury.

Soft tissue injuries normally do not command much of a settlement. In most cases compensation for soft tissue injuries barely covers the medical or any therapeutically necessary costs.

Once the adjuster has all of the costs she may or may not make a settlement offer which will satisfy you. The best way for you to find out how long it will be before an offer is proffered is to call and speak with the adjuster. Be prepared to be dissatisfied.

Finally, from the facts you present you will have great difficulty being reimbursed for any job or job related interview.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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