Injuries - What's a Fair Amount?

I was in an accident 7/18/08 in Texas (2 blocks from my home). I was at a 4-way stop awaiting my turn. There were cars at each stop sign who stopped just after I did (the road I was crossing has 4 total lanes and the road I was on has 2 total). I proceeded through the intersection and a car to my left (in the open lane) ran the stop sign and hit me.

So far, the other insurance company has said they will pay for the damage and my rental (my van is currently being worked on and I have a rental with very little 'out of pocket'). They said we will talk about injuries later. I have 5 children and they were all with me. We have been to a chiropractor and the children seem to be doing well (I pray they continue to do so).

I, on the other hand, have had back and neck pain with occasional headaches throughout each week. Although it is not keeping me from doing my daily work (at home with the kids), it does interfere. For example, when I normally do my dishes it takes about 30 min. for my lower back to start bothering me (my sink is low and I have no prior injuries to my back). Now, it only takes 5 minutes for my back to start hurting and getting stiff. I have a similar issue when folding laundry but with the middle of my back. Different activities (i.e.; bending over, holding my 10 mth old, driving, bathing my 3 youngest, etc...) will affect me in different ways; my neck and shoulder getting stiff or in knots, shoulder blades in pain/stiff/knots, middle back pain/stiff, lower back pain/stiff, my hips are sometimes stiff/painful, and my lower abdomen is a little swollen and has some pain sometimes. I keep thinking that my pain will get better soon but, it has lasted longer than expected.

Anyway, I have also spent the majority of the following week on my cell phone (no home phone). And, before the accident, we had plans for the weekend (going out of town). The day of the accident, we were on our way to get a late lunch (which, btw, ended up being around 4 p.m.) and then we would go to get our 2 weeks worth of groceries. But, it was ALL interrupted by this accident.

My question is, What is a fair amount to ask for?

In advance, thank you for your time and patience on this matter.

[Brittany1130]

Hmm, as far as I'm informed there should be a list with amounts for normal pain, heavy pain, etc. Maybe someone else knows where to find that list. I'm sure that will help you to come up with a fair amount and I wish you the best of luck.