Whether you hire an attorney or try to settle your case on your own, do not be surprised if the insurance company does not value your case like you or your attorney.  Insurance companies are in business to make money.  They do this by paying as little as possible to resolve injury claims.

As a general rule, you want to communicate as little as possible with the other driver’s insurance company.  You want to let the other driver’s insurance company know about the accident, and you may need to speak with the other driver’s insurance company representative or adjuster to settle your property damage issues, but keep these discussions on that topic only. 

Something to look out for is the medical provider — most often hospitals — refusing to take your major medical coverage.  Instead, the hospital will want to put a lien on your claims to try to get more of its bill paid.

This is a little more complicated than you might think.  How you pay your medical bills and what insurance you use can have a significant impact on the value of your case.  Below, I explain the order of ways you should attempt to have your bills paid by the insurance or governmental assistance that is available to you.