Question:
some of you may have seen my thread in prayer requests about my car accident. I've been getting calls from both insurance companies, and advice from family friends about claims and everything. my claims agent told me I can claim insurance for personal injuries and emotional grievance, and the family friends are telling me to get as much for personal trauma as I can.
so, I have a dilemna. is it right, as a christian, to "go for blood" as my dad puts it? yes, I have been traumatized, I have been physically/emotionally damaged, and I have major financial losses from this. but is it right to claim that money? and if so, how far should I go? I don't know what to do.
Answer:
Originally Posted by beanbag some of you may have seen my thread in prayer requests about my car accident. I've been getting calls from both insurance companies, and advice from family friends about claims and everything. my claims agent told me I can claim insurance for personal injuries and emotional grievance, and the family friends are telling me to get as much for personal trauma as I can.

so, I have a dilemna. is it right, as a christian, to "go for blood" as my dad puts it? yes, I have been traumatized, I have been physically/emotionally damaged, and I have major financial losses from this. but is it right to claim that money? and if so, how far should I go? I don't know what to do.
This is the way I look at it. My grandfather (who's Godly wisdom I respect immensely) was in an auto accident several years ago. He had no problem accepting claim money from a settlement that covered his injuries, medical bills, car repair, etc. Claim and fight to get everything back that you already had before, and to have them pay for your medical bills. As long as you aren't making up stuff, over-exaggerating little things, or milking the injuries and damages, then there is nothing wrong with being compensated for your losses.
Answer:
Originally Posted by sparklystuff This is the way I look at it. My grandfather (who's Godly wisdom I respect immensely) was in an auto accident several years ago. He had no problem accepting claim money from a settlement that covered his injuries, medical bills, car repair, etc. Claim and fight to get everything back that you already had before, and to have them pay for your medical bills. As long as you aren't making up stuff, over-exaggerating little things, or milking the injuries and damages, then there is nothing wrong with being compensated for your losses. I gotta go with what she says, only to emphasize the part though Comenste for your losses.
Answer:
what about future financial loss as a result of this accident?
here is an example:
in two months time, I have to play a jury. this jury is going to decide whether or not I make it into the guitar program at my school, which is a two year certification program. until I am certified, my professor has told me I can reasonably charge up to $25 per student, per lesson. he told me after certification I can charge $35+ for the same. I attempted to practise my guitar yesterday for the first time in a week. I thought my sore muscles were okay. I was unable to play for more than 10 minutes, and all the while my arms and chest were hurting. they continued to do so for the remainder of the day, and they're hurting again.
if I don't pass this jury, I'm going to have to wait 5 months before I get another shot. that means an extra 5 months until I am certified. I figured the loss of $10/lesson over the course of 5 months. for each student, I stand to lose $200. I currently have two students, and more are interested. that's at least $400 that I am going to be losing if I am unable to practise for and pass my jury.
what should I do about something like that?
Answer:
Originally Posted by beanbag what about future financial loss as a result of this accident?
here is an example:
in two months time, I have to play a jury. this jury is going to decide whether or not I make it into the guitar program at my school, which is a two year certification program. until I am certified, my professor has told me I can reasonably charge up to $25 per student, per lesson. he told me after certification I can charge $35+ for the same. I attempted to practise my guitar yesterday for the first time in a week. I thought my sore muscles were okay. I was unable to play for more than 10 minutes, and all the while my arms and chest were hurting. they continued to do so for the remainder of the day, and they're hurting again.
if I don't pass this jury, I'm going to have to wait 5 months before I get another shot. that means an extra 5 months until I am certified. I figured the loss of $10/lesson over the course of 5 months. for each student, I stand to lose $200. I currently have two students, and more are interested. that's at least $400 that I am going to be losing if I am unable to practise for and pass my jury.
what should I do about something like that?
If you will never be able to play again, that would be one thing, but a 5 month delay is not really that much. Would you have sued.... say your friend if they had accidentally shut your hand in a car door and it delayed you 5 months?? You cannot even be sure these 2 students would pay you the extra $10 a lesson just because you became certified, they may choose to find another teacher. Your certification isn't really going to mean anything to them as you already have been teaching them and it isn't going to make you any better of a teacher.
I would say no, do not sue for this.
Answer:
well, it's not a lawsuit but rather a money claim. I can see what you're saying, though.
if I decide that the fair amount that I should receive is (for example) $2000, should I ask for $3500 so that once they bargain down I'll get what I believe is fair, or should I simply ask up front what I feel is fair and trust that they won't try and chip it down?
Answer:
It is Biblical to be compensated for your losses. I think, the Bible even provides for extra comensation at times. The tax collector was going to restore what he took plus more. I don't know the specifics off the top of my head. Maybe someone else will. I think it's 20 percent or less.
It is legitimate to claim wages lost from work.
Once, I told the company how much my losses were and they paid me even more than I asked.
Usually, there is a system. Insurance companies have set amounts and ways that they handle things.
Sometimes, when you sign the check, it ends your ability to claim any more. It might be a good idea to wait until you are sure that you are healed and don't need any more medical treatments.