Auto Insurance Claims: settlement with multiple claimants, insurance comapny, constant contact

Question
We live in Indiana.  Two months ago my daughter was a passenger in an auto accident with 4 other passengers.  The adjuster made a fair offer to settle.  He finally reached all other parties.  All have accepted except one.  What will happen if the last party doesn't accept?  The medical bills are starting to be turned over to collection.  I am in constant contact with the adjuster but the consequence of the other family not accepting the offer has never been explained.  What happens if they decide to go to court?  The adjuster sent me a copy of the offer he made to us.   I hope I was clear enough.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

The consequences will depend on a number of things such as the total amount of all of the claims versus the total amount of coverage available.

If the at fault person has say $300,000.00 in coverage and 3 of you have accepted $5,000.00 each then there will likely be no affect since there is still plenty of coverage available.

If on the other hand, there is only $25,000.00 of coverage and 3 of you have agreed to $5000.00 each and the 4th person will not accept $5,000.00, the insurance comapny may have to wait intil the 4th claim settlement is known before issuing checks. If the 4th person decides to go to court, this could hold up all of the settlements until the court case comes to trial.

You should specifically ask the claim adjuster what will happen if the other person does not accept. They will be in a better position to answer your question.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh