need advice - car accident

[GReedDiamond]

36. My son was run down while riding his bike in Oakland...

...a few months ago. Severe injuries, lots of damage - shattered bones, smashed teeth, and facial lacerations requiring surgeries, with much pain and suffering, possible loss of full use of his left arm - he is still unable to fully extend his arm, or use it for much of anything. As a fine art printmaker, this has a profoundly negative impact on his ability to make his art, which he has trained for and has a significant student loan bill to pay off.

We do not yet know how much this will cost, in total medical expenses, immediate lost wages, possible future lost wages, ongoing pain and suffering, etc.

The driver who hit him, and was at fault, apparently has insurance. But all the bills paid to repair my son have been paid so far by his health insurer, while anything not covered by them has come out of pocket or is being paid off over time.

In California, my son has up to two years to file a lawsuit seeking all compensations possible, so all of these factors need to fully play out in order to get a maximum settlement or reward should it go to court.

It is best to not take any settlement offer from the insurance company until the full extent of your fiance's injuries and losses are known - physical and mental as well as monetary.

As others upthread have said, do not talk to the other guy's insurance company, talk to an attorney. In cases like this, you can find one for a contingency fee.

I hope you fiance gets better real quick, best wishes to the both of you.