My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: Arkansas
We were on our way back from vacation when I was rear ended in the state of Arkansas by an 18 wheeler. My car was at a complete stop due to a sudden stop in front of me (traffic issues). The driver that hit me was estimated as going around 40-50MPH at impact.
Property Damage Issue--The insurance company has not yet determined whether or not they are going to total the vehicle. I'm fairly certain they will have to total it as it is an older vehicle and the frame is clearly bent. As to the property damage issue, I only carried liability on the vehicle due to its age and I did not have rental coverage. I have been without a vehicle for 10 days. Had to beg a car rental company to rent me a vehicle to get home (I have poor credit and these days many rental companies require a credit check if you pay via debit card). In addition, my laptop was in the trunk of the car when it was struck, and my laptop screen is shattered now. Am I correct that as a part of property damage I should also be able to claim the damage to my laptop? How long does it typically take for them to make decisions about property damage? I live in the country without public transportation and cannot rent a car in the interim, so I am at a great inconvenience.
Personal Injury Issue-- At the time of the accident, there were no apparent injuries other than a few small scratches from the back glass shattering on my 2 youngest children (who were in the back seat). I felt a little sore, but nothing major and I didn't want my kids to go through the additional trauma of seeing mommy loaded into an ambulance. So we did not request paramedics or transport. During my drive home in the rental car, I began to stiffen up but figured, HEY, I just got hit by a truck, what do I expect. The next day the soreness was growing and travelling down my arms. Day 3 I woke up and attempted to take a shower, and discovered I could not raise my hands to my head. So, I went to the ER. After being examined and scanned, the diagnosis was Acute Cervical Strain and Whiplash. I was prescribed muscle relaxants and pain meds and told to follow up with my physician. I do not have health insurance, so I do not have a physician. I sought the care of a Chiropractor and am on a treatment plan. Due to my line of work requiring a lot of use of my neck and hands (intermittent tingling and numbness in hands as well) the Chiro recommended that I do not work at the moment. I am self employed as an Esthetician. The adjuster told me to start collecting my tax records as proof of income-- however, I just went into business for myself as of October last year, so that will definitely skew things. What issues should I be aware of in this situation? At this moment, my medical bills stand at approximately $3800 for the ER visit and then there is the Chiro. I know medical will not be settled until treatment is complete, but at the very least, my expenses should be covered, yes?
Any pitfalls I should watch for? I'd prefer not to lawyer up... I just want to make sure my rear is covered.

