Carbondale, CO Personal Injury Law Firms & Lawyers

 Generally speaking, insurance companies are in business to make a profit so it is very unlikely that they are presenting you with their best offer right out of the gate. If you have minor injuries and you want to negotiate for yourself, try asking for double what they offered and see what their responses is.  I think the better course would be for you to consult a personal injury attorney who has experience in determining the value of a case because you have no idea whether you are being taken advantage of.  If you do retain an attorney, make sure that it is understood that their fee is only applicable to any recovery over and above the offer that is already on the table. Good luck.

If you were not the driver; not the owner; and not otherwise negligent in allowing the operation of the vehicle, you should not be named as a party defendant in a law suit.

The injury that you describe is a significant one for which you are likely to experience some degree of permanent impairment or disfigurement.  Before you sign any document provided by the HOA and before you accept any money, you absolutely should speak with an attorney.  You should not rely upon the HOA representative for your legal advice, the HOA is obviously better off if you accept the offer and agree not to sue.  The value of your claim depends upon your HOA agreement, the facts of the actual accident and your condition once you reach maximum medical improvement.  Typically orthopedic injuries tend to require at least one year for a determination of any possible permanent problems.  If liability can be established, an injury such as yours would probably settle well into six figures.