After a serious car accident, if you cannot work, it is tempting to accept the insurance company’s first offer. That is never a good idea. Your insurance company wants to quickly pay out as little as possible. That is how they make money. The insurer’s initial offer is usually low, because the company anticipates the injured person might accept it. Keep in mind, however, that it is not the last offer they will make.
Death, dismemberment, disfigurement, or loss of a fetus– New York considers these injuries to be most severe. You are also considered seriously injured if you permanently lose or suffer significant limitation to the use of a body organ, system, or function– which prevents you from engaging in “customary daily activities” for at least 90 out of 180 days immediately following the accident.
Having your injury classified as serious matters greatly in how much compensation you are allowed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, which is why you should contact a lawyer to review your case.