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In my jurisdiction the SETTLEMENT value of damages for "specials" (i.e., past/future lost wages, pain/suffering, hedonic damages, future med expense, your loss of consortium, etc) is about 3-10 times the amount of actual damages (property and medical paid). Many factors go into play as to whethether its 3 or 10X's.
May be a moot point depending on limits of other guy's insurance coverage....at which time the ins co could pay policy limits and say good luck on collecting excess. At that point you may have to look to going after your own insurance company for uninsured motorist/under-insured motoristPlus there are unique laws that vary from state to state as far as indemnification, subrogation, compromising medical liens, etc. And you have to consider the impact a settlement has on your wife's health ins coverage for future med coverage...especiaally if she has Medicare.
It ain't rocket surgery but its a bit more complex than you think if its likely your wife will have future medical issues post settlemnt. If she is ecxcpected to recover completely its slightly less of a problem.
Good luck.
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Jim
1987 Carrera
2002 BMW 525ti
1997 Buell Cyclone cafe project
1998 Buell S1W: "Angriest motorcycle I've ever ridden."
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