QuestionHello;
In Feb. of 2011 I was in a car accident in Kansas. I pulled on to a street and was sure I had time to make it across the lane but did not and was hit by a car with 2 girls in the front who were texting and probably speeding. When I pulled out onto the street their car was bearing down on me so fast and for a split second before the crash I knew we were going to collide, both of them were looking in their laps. But regardless, I was at fault.
I was taken to the hospital for injuries. I had a sprained shoulder and a concussion. I asked the officer if the girls were okay and she told me yes. So I was relieved at that!
I dealt with my insurance company for PIP on my injuries, but never heard anymore about it.
Now this morning, March 5th 2013, (over 2 years later) the phone rang and a man said he was an insurance investigator said he needed my address in order to send forms about the accident. I gave him my address. But now I am very worried and my mind is troubled about this.
I should know better than to give my address out over the phone to strangers. Wouldn't they have my address anyway?
Am I being sued? (I have no real assets)
What kind of papers would anyone need over 2 years after the accident?
Why would anyone contact me and not my insurance company?
What should I do with the papers, when I get them?
Answer Hello David,
Of course it is not possible for me to know this exactly. However - and assuming this actually does have anything to do with your accident - my gut reaction is that the so-called insurance investigator was probably a private investigator representing the other people in the accident. Probably on behalf of an attorney.
Why? Perhaps they are attempting to determine if you do have any assets. Again, just a guess. And if that is correct, these people are obviously now claiming injuries.
You do not mention if you have Bodily Injury Liability coverage. If you do, you need to speak to your own insurance company immediately. If you do have coverage, I would assume your carrier is aware of any liability claims pending against you. If they know nothing about a potential claim, you need to relay your suspicions and hopefully someone will make note of this in your now-closed file.
No reputable insurance investigator would contact you without fully identifying the name of the insurance company. If you hear further from this person, insist that he tell you who he is working for. If he won't say, you know there is an issue. By all means, find out whatever you can about him (including the phone number he called from)and tell him nothing about yourself.
If indeed he identifies his client, and if it does relate back to the accident, make certain you inform your company - assuming you do have BI coverage.
Do not fill out any of the papers. If he is legitimate, he should be dealing with your carrier. If you have no coverage, I would suggest you not cooperate. At least for now, you are under no obligation to give them any information.
If you have no real assets and no liability coverage, this probably won't go anywhere. If you do have some assets and no coverage, you might be faced with a lawsuit. Obviously if that occurs, you will need an attorney to represent you. If you do have liability insurance, your carrier will defend you up to the limits of your policy. In that case, you will not have to hire your own attorney to defend yourself unless you choose to do so.
For now, play offense, not defense.
Good luck, David.
Jane Pytel
http://www.insuranceexpertadvice.com
At this point I strongly suggest that you do not provide any information to these people. Do what you can, however, to find out who they are and who he represents.
