Car Accident Settlement

[Zeta23]

My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: Kansas

Although I have seen many threads similar to mine, none seemed to give me any direct answers to my specific situation, so here goes:

In mid-December I was in the passenger seat of my friend's vehicle, she was turning left in an intersection and did not yield at green when turning (she was found at fault). Another car hit her vehicle on my side of the car. Her car was totaled, and we were both taken to the emergency room. I was found to have bruises on my internal organs and blood in my urine from the bruising. Beyond that, there was soft tissue pain and I was let go from the hospital with a prescription to pain killers. I met up with my general practitioner and she advised I stay home from work for a week, gave me another prescription, and told me that resting was all I could do.

I went to a couple of physical therapy sessions and am now feeling better. There's obviously anxiety about being in a vehicle but I'm assuming that will pass with time.

The insurance agent that is handling my case wants to settle for $500, which to me seemed insultingly low, however I have never been in this situation before, nor have I dealt with an insurance agent. Is $500 the average settlement for my type of situation? Is it appropriate to tell the insurance agent that I'm not comfortable with that low of a settlement?

If there's anything I haven't addressed, let me know, I'd like to make this as clear and concise as possible. Thank you in advance!

[Zeta23]

It may also be relevant to mention that they covered $2000 in medical bills and are also offering $150 (for lost wages, I'm a student and work part time) in addition to the $500 for the settlement.

[aaron]

First, you need to be sure that there are not going to be any claims against your settlement from a third party, such as an unpaid health care provider or another insurance company that paid your medical bills. If your bills were all paid by the at-fault driver's insurance that is offering you the settlement, that shouldn't be an issue.

Honestly, from what you have told us, you have a low-value case. The insurance company is lowballing you, but I expect it's based upon the belief that you won't be able to find a lawyer who is willing to pursue the case on your behalf.

What amount wouldn't insult you?