Question
In your profile, you said, "How do you determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim, find appropriate medical care providers, value your case (not limited to neck and back cases), and answers to numerous other questions that can and do arise when someone is injured."

I was rear-ended yesterday and would like to know:
1) What is a typical adjuster's signing authority?  I've heard $25,000.
2) What's a typical neck injury claim worth?  I've heard 3 times the medical bills.
3) What other things should I seek compensation for, like a rental car while mine is being repaired, etc.

I don't want to be unreasonable and am not seeking to milk a situation.  I'd prefer to expedite the claim and settle quickly but I work with my hands (my own business) and extended neck problems could mean lost wages, etc.

I would really appreciate any advice that you might have.

Answer
Dear Jey,

What state are you in? The laws vary from state to state.

1.There is no typical adjuster's authority. Some adjusters only have $10.000 authority.They all have to get authority from their supervisors.
2.In Washington State,under $25.000, at most $50.000, unless you have a large proveable wage loss.
3.A rental car and ? You have not given me enough information to "guess" what the other possibilities there are.
I suggest you retain an attorney to help you obtain a just award or settlement or as close as possible. You are no match for the adjuster.
Sincerely,
Richard