I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer! I'm Dealing with a Scummy Insurance Company!

Updated on October 15, 2008
R.D. asks from Cedar Hill, TX
6 answers

I was rearended by a student at my school on Wednesday. His insurance company was nice up untill they estimated the damage on my car. I drive a Mazda 626, so I went to Mazda first and they estimated 3146. The insurance adjuster that works for them at Toyota Irving estimated 1200! I know their estimate is wrong b/c my car is completly falling apart in the back. What they want to do is, send me a check for 1200, and when I get the car fixed, they send the rest of whatever it costs to whoever fixes the car. (Also, I own my car, theres no lien or anything on it) I dont want to do that b/c the car is 9yrs old and dented in the front. I was planning to sell it in 6mths and buy a new car. Why would I spend 3100.00 to fix a car thats only worth 1500.00? I just want to get the bumper and muffler fixed so I can drive it to school for awhile, and use the rest of the money for my new car. But the way this insurance company works, they only want to pay the full amount if youre getting the car fixed. They didnt say this, but of course thats what it is! I know my rights, and they have to pay ME the full amount, because I own the car. Now as far as the lawyer, both my parents are telling me to sue, so that if I still have back and neck pain in a few months, I wont have to pay for it. (I am in pain now, but the doc says its a neck sprain, and to come back if it doesnt get better soon) I was content to just get the check for the car and be on my way, until the insurance company started with this 1200.00 bull. Now, I do want to sue. Not just because of the pain I'm in, and the fact that I had to miss school during the FIRST WEEK, but because theyre trying to get out of paying me the money they actually owe! I want them to give me the money it will cost to fully fix my car, and let me decide what I get fixed and when. Anyone with advice or who knows a lawyer, or IS a lawyer, please respond. I would love some help with this.

Also, I know how the claims process works. An 18 wheeler backed into my car about a year ago, and it worked out fine. I got 3 estimates, sent them to the insurance company, and within a week, they handed me a check for the highest one. Thats how its supposed to work! These other people are trying to get over on me.

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So What Happened?

I used a lawyer that Maritza W gave me info for. They have turned out to be nice enough for now. Right now I've just beeen going to the Chiropractor a few times a week, and I dont think they have actually contacted the insurance company regarding the suit. Is that normal? If anyone knows, let me know. Thanks everyone!

More Answers

B.B.

answers from Dallas on

I agree that insurance companies are horrible and try to get out of paying the full amount. I was hit a few years ago by a guy who ran a red light. At first, the insurance co. was fine, until the repairs took longer than expected, so they said they wouldn't pay for the rental car anymore. I basically wouldn't give up, was on the phone with them everyday. I was very persistant, and wouldn't let them push me around. They did pay for everything. I think that most people just give up and don't fight them, and that's why they do these things (though they'll never admit it). I would only sue if it's a last resort. Try everything you can before that, and be persistant.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Dallas on

Kyle Pughes is my attorney in Dallas and I will not ever use anyone else. He is Very Sweet and an AWESOME attorney. He was referred to me from a friend and everything was said and done within a couple of months. He's Good and He's fast and doesn't waste anytime. He will NOT screw you over.

Here's his number ###-###-####
Tell him that M. Graham referred you.
Hope this helps.
M.

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

A colleague of mine, Chris Davis, is an expert in this area, I would HIGHLY recommend him:

###-###-#### or ____@____.com

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S.W.

answers from Dallas on

My coworker's husband is a PI Lawyer. Try his law firm - Salinas & Legere. I've never used them, but I know they are honest, hard-working people (on a personal level) and I can only assume that they would be this way professionally too. And if I ever need a lawyer, that's who I would call.

I noticed you mentioned Toyota of Irving. Are you in Irving? I only ask because I've had two accident situations - one good and one bad. The bad one was when I took my car to Freeman Mazda for repairs - they did over charge for repairs (because they thought they could get more money from the other guy's insurance company). My best experience ever was using Service King - there was no arguing over repair expenses, the work was done quickly and they gave the best, most honest estimate. My insurance company (state farm) doesn't even send an adjuster if I take it to service king. They consider SK to be such a reputable company that they trust any repair estimates from them. If you haven't been to service king, I'd definitely go there!

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R.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have a friend who works for a personal injury attorney in Flower Mound. Kuzmich Law Firm ###-###-####. She offered their services when we lost my brother recently, but we didn't use them. Mostly because they are here in Flower Mound and the case is out in west Texas. I will call them if I ever need to...hope I don't ;) Good luck!

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I am not a lawyer. I see the commercials all the time on TV but don't know those guys. I'm very skeptical.

I am not an advocate of lawsuits. However, if you missed work for a week, paid for Dr visits and did not get paid because of this accident then, in my opinion......you are at least entitled to be reimbursed for those expenses.

Call legal aid and see if they can give you some guidance.

It does sound like you are getting the run around from the insurance company.

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