Can I just ask the adjuster straight up what the policy limits are?

That adjuster being so chatty and helpful about what to report? I'd be cautious about reading that as friendly. They're building a picture — sometimes to understand your claim, sometimes to find inconsistencies later. Document everything you tell her, every single time.

So, from the inside — whether an adjuster will disclose policy limits voluntarily depends a lot on the state and the company's internal guidelines. Some states actually have laws requiring disclosure once a claim is opened, others don't. You can absolutely ask. The worst they say is no. But honestly, with a herniated disc and a government entity involved, I'd strongly consider getting an attorney before you go digging into that conversation. Government claims have specific procedural rules that can really bite you if you miss a step.

A few things worth knowing: first, some states require insurers to disclose limits upon request — it's worth a quick search for your specific state's rules on that. Second, government entities often self-insure or carry coverage through a state risk pool, which can mean higher limits than a standard personal auto policy, but it also means the claims process can be more bureaucratic. Third — and I'm not telling you what to do — a herniated disc is the kind of injury where having someone in your corner who knows the process can really matter.

I was in a situation with a government vehicle too and the limits question came up for me. My attorney just sent a formal letter requesting disclosure and got an answer within a couple weeks. I didn't even have to ask the adjuster directly. Just sharing what worked for me — your situation may be different.

Please don't rush anything on the medical side. Herniated discs can feel manageable for a while and then flare badly, especially once you're more active again. Make sure your specialist documents functional limitations thoroughly — not just pain levels, but what you literally cannot do. That matters a lot down the road whether you settle or not.

Short answer: yes, ask. They might not tell you, but there's no rule against asking. Longer answer: if you've got a documented herniated disc from a government-vehicle rear-end at highway speed, you probably want a PI attorney making that call, not you. Most do free consults. Use one.

The camping trip thing actually got me — it's easy to forget that those kinds of losses count too. Don't downplay any of it. You were living your life and someone else's negligence changed that. I hope you get the care you need and a fair resolution.

On your coworker's quick settlement — do you know if they signed a release? Because if they did, that's done, no going back even if symptoms get worse later. A fast offer that seems generous can sometimes be the company getting out cheap before someone realizes the full extent of an injury. Just something to flag if they haven't signed yet.