How do I get pain and suffering as part of my insurance settlement?

When you are involved in a car accident, you are likely to suffer a wide range of injuries, each requiring different levels of immediate attention and future follow up.  If you hope to get coverage for pain and suffering from the person who hit you, there are several steps you must follow: 

• You must see a medical professional immediately upon your accident.  Even if you think you feel fine at first, you must see a doctor or be seen at the hospital as soon as possible.  This first visit will make sure that your injuries get professional attention as soon as possible, and help in the event that you have a more serious injury masking itself as a minor problem. You'll also want to make sure you factor in the cost of future medical expenses in your insurance settlement
• You must have a doctor or other medical professional offer a clear indication of your injuries and your pain and suffering.  Simply trying to get an injury company’s adjuster to offer you compensation for pain and suffering will not work, because the adjuster is paid to give you as little compensation as possible. You must have a physician offer their expert opinion to back your case.
• You must make sure that you negotiate with the insurance adjuster assigned to your case, either as an individual or through an attorney.  Request that the adjuster not separate your bill into diagnostics (tests) and treatment.  You get one bill, so the insurance company should have to address all aspects of your condition.

To negotiate the best insurance settlement possible, it is always a good idea to work with a qualified car accident lawyer.