Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance adjusters questions, claim settlement, insurance claim settlement


Question
Hi,
I met with an insurance adjuster today regarding a personal injury claim in which someone fell on me, broke my legs and split my head in 2 places. The adjuster asked for my SSN, birthdate, what kind of relationship I had with the person that fell on me and wether alcohol was involved. I refused all of those questions. He is telling me when I send my letter of demand I need to include the answers along with my medical bills and records involving the accident.
I can see why he needs the medical records but not the other information. What should I actually send with my demand letter?

Thanks for your help

Answer
 Hello Lora,

Your details are kind of sketchy.  Someone fell on you?  Under what circumstances?  Were you involved in a fight with the person?  Were just minding your own business and someone fell on you?

Not splitting hairs, but those details are important.  Consider a few scenarios.  If you provoked the situation is that why the person fell on you? Were you defending yourself? Did you contribute in any way?  Was it an accident or intentional?

I will assume that the police were called and that they filed a report.  If that is the case, the police report should establish the details.  You would need to obtain a copy of that report and review it for accuracy.  If it is incorrect or incomplete, you would probably want to clarify those details with the adjuster.

If there is no police report, the adjuster will (or should) interview any witnesses or anyone who was involved, including the person who fell on you.  You will need to include all pertinent details. If alcohol was involved, why would that matter?  Would it have a negative impact on you?  Assuming you are of age, it is not against the law to drink alcohol.  Even if you were drinking, if it did not contribute to your injuries, what difference does it make?  On the other hand, if you were involved in a "brawl" that could negatively impact your claim.

Your SSN is NOT a pertinent detail.  They want this in order to run a history on you.  They can do this with your birthdate.

You are not obligated to cooperate with the adverse insurance company.  You have no contractual obligations with them. However, it is to your benefit to let your story be known. If the details don't hurt you, why hide them?  

Without "your side" the adjuster is free to draw any conclusions he wants based on the statements of the others present. Potentially that could mean a much lower settlement for you or even no settlement.  He could deny your claim if he decided that you are somehow responsible for your own injuries.

I understand that this could be a violation of your privacy, but nonetheless if you are seeking payment for your injuries you will have to divulge pertinent details.

I wish you well.  Good luck.

Jane Pytel

http://SolutionsForYourInsuranceClaim.com
http://FloridaAutoInsuranceCentral.com