QuestionCase background:
I was involved in an automobile accident a month ago in Ohio. Their car pulled out of a private parking lot, into my car which was travelling on a through street. The other driver was cited for failure to yield. No injuries reported at accident. 24 hours later the pain began. Neck/back and Rotator cuff. I have seen a doctor 3 times, have been prescribed steroids, am attending physical therapy (4th week), had prescription changed from vicodin to percocet and am waiting to schedule an MRI.
One week ago I decided that I should not have to deal with the flurry of medical bills and who to pay, so I hired an attorney. I spent my Christmas and New Years in a lot of pain.
Now let's back up. My car is over 25 years old; rusty but reliable. I only have liability on it, so my insurance company was quick to assure me I wouldn't be filing a claim with them.
6 days after the accident, I still hadn't heard from the other parties insurance company. I had a copy of the accident report I "bought" from the police dept. I went on-line and found the National Claims Center (their ins)and called. I was given a claim#, and told I would be contacted by a claims adjuster within 24 hours. Several hours later, I received a call from a Claims Adjuster. They asked me what happened and when they found out I was injured, told me I would be transfered to an injury claims adjuster. They would contact me within 24 hours. (Remember, this was 6 days after the accident). Met with Attorney 20 days after accident and still had not heard from their insurance company. Attorney told me to call their insurance co. and take care of property claim only (car) since it was pretty standard. Do not talk to insurance co. about injuries.
24 days after accident, I still had not heard from their ins.co. I called the claim center, gave them my claim# and was connected to a claims adjuster. She did not understand why this hadn't been taken care of yet. After accessing the file, she noted that they (the ins. co.) had NOT received the accident report yet. I gave her the phone number to the police station. She said she would get in touch with me. It has now been over 30 days since the accident and have not been contacted by their insurance company.
I think all this talk about insurance companies wanting to quickly settle a claim is a bunch of hooey! I feel disrespected and discriminated against because of the age and value of my 25 year old rusty car. I am driving my car 100 miles a day with tied-down hood, smashed fender and headlight pointing down at the ground. I realize that they will total it out and offer me an amount that is not enough to buy a decent car. But, I left work the day of the accident with a paid-off, SAFE, reliable, economical car. Shouldn't I expect to receive the same? Instead, I know they will insult me with a $500 offer and take my car. I would rather keep it.
I guess my question is: Should I contact them after 30 days? (why is this my responsibility? I can't handle the stress). I've tried twice. How can I get a safe, reliable vehicle from this mess that was not my fault?
Thank you for listening. I'm in pain and really stressed out.
TJ
AnswerHi TJ,
I'm sorry you are having such a tough time.
One thing you can count on is that an insurance company will always find a way to tick someone off. Unfortunately, it is your responsibility to force them to pay attention to you. I know you have called twice, but, if necessary, you need to call twice a day. Send emails. Call and ask to speak to someone in management. Become the biggest pain in the a_ _ you can. The squeeky wheel gets the grease. I know you should not have to do this but the insurance company is not paying attention to you. So you need to send up a flare so they can see you and that means make a lot of noise.
You could also ask your attorney to contact them. Even though he is not handling the property damage, a call from your attorney may get things moving.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
