I am home today from the hospital. I'm hanging in there. I think the worst thing right now besides being so sore is the frustration and lack of understanding. It seems so hard that even when I'm not at fault, I feel like I'm still paying for what happened. The other insurance company has not worked with me. I thought we had a good case-- 7.5 months pregnant, burns and bruises on my stomach, leg, face, etc. They think my ribs are fractured, but can't X-ray to know for sure. They still aren't positive the baby is ok-- can't know for sure until we meet her. There is a danger of early labor or my water breaking from the severe impact. My car is totalled and they said already that they plan to give us nothing more than blue book value of my car, which we all know isn't enough to pay for much. We can't afford to put our own money towards it because I am quitting work next month to stay home and we just bought James a car. I am having a tough time being thankful for the positives. Instead, I am angry that this happened and worried I'll end up with an unreliable car. I think I'm still really shaken up and I just feel resentful. My car was paid off and I know I can't have a car payment. Really, I'm getting screwed even though I did nothing wrong. I at least thought Geico would give us a little something over to help (because so many people assured me they received more than blue book), but apparently I'm not so lucky.
Update: We've got a lawyer. I think this may make more work on us: more appointments with doctors, more things to cover our behinds, but he thinks he can get us more money.
Posted by Hannah at February 17, 2006 01:43 PMI understand this headache more than you know! I am STILL in the process of all this mess right now!!! Two months later...
Posted by: Allison at February 17, 2006 02:24 PMHannah- the lawyer will help ( or find one who will!). In 6th grade, the car I was in was rear ended. Although I didnt need to go to a hospital and looked fine, I had back problems for a while and needed physical therapy. The insurance company didnt want to give anything. We hired a lawyer and although it took awhile ( maybe a year or more, sorry) we went thru the whole process of depositions etc. The DAY the trial was suppose to start, the insurance company caved and settled with a nice size amount. The amount way high but that was because the theory was that the damage done might not be seen until I grew up. Ive been lucky to have that money and besides sometimes having some shooting back/muscle pains, I am fine. Fight Hannah. Its justice, not greed. You will win and will look back on this whole thing as an odd blessing in disguise. ( I suppose I should have sent this in an email because it is so long, but too late now). If you ever feel your lawyer isnt trying for the highest amount you deserve, remember there are plenty of lawyers out there who will try harder. They get a percentage of your settlement.
Posted by: alfredsmom at February 17, 2006 03:37 PMI just tried calling you, Hannah, but your answering machine didn't pick up for some reason. I am SO SORRY about your *awful* car accident ~ saying prayers for you and your sweet baby! I hope that everything will be OK. Gosh, just what you need to deal with when you're toward the end of your pregnancy! I can't imagine how you must have felt when you were standing there at the accident scene. (((hugs))) I was almost in tears reading your post!
Posted by: Lisanne at February 17, 2006 03:59 PMGood luck and I am glad you both are ok!
Posted by: rachel at February 17, 2006 04:02 PMPraying all is well with you and your baby!
Posted by: Emmakirst at February 17, 2006 04:58 PMHannah, hugs to you. I can understand that you are stressed out about this. I hope that somehow you will manage to get more than just the blue book value.
Posted by: Melany at February 18, 2006 02:14 AMWow, Hannah! What a nightmare! I hope and pray everything turns out well. I agree with the feeling that you're being punished for something you didn't do. I think insurance companies should reimburse based on the total loss, not the blue book value. Let's hope for the best... maybe you'll get enough money to buy an even safer vehicle to drive baby girl around in. :)
Most importantly, stay calm and relaxed during this time. It won't help anything to let it stress you out. God is in control.
Posted by: Dillygirl at February 18, 2006 08:49 AMI can't think of a positive in the situation just yet, but everything does happen for a reason. Who knows why this happened, but in time, it will make sense. Maybe you can sue the shit (oops can I say that on here) outta that trailer trash lady who hit you and then you can get a nicer more reliable car than you had in the first place! You are always in my prayers....keep the chin up and let me know if I can help in any way!
the lawyer will help. you deserve more than they want to give you! i'm thinking about you and your baby girl.
Posted by: cady at February 18, 2006 05:20 PMOh Hannah Again I am so sorry. I hope everything works out.
Posted by: Ani at February 19, 2006 10:02 AM