Expert: Bennie719 - 4/15/2009

Question
hi,
  i was struck by a drunk driver in january 2008.  the impact totaled my vehicle and caused injuries that caused me to miss 5 months of work while being treated.  over $30K in pt, neurosurgeons and pain management - no chiropractors.  i've written sever demand letters and received two lowball settlement offers, which don't even cover my lost wages.  now, the adjuster is taking several months to reply to my letters.  i filed a complaint with the state dept of insurance, and this prompted the 2nd low offer.  it's now been over a month since i replied to that letter and he has yet to respond.  my question is, do the insurance companies have an obligation to respond in a timely manner?  what, if any, are the standards for settling claims in a timely manner?  any suggestions, other than obtaining legal counsel?

thanks

Answer
Hi js,
There is not enough information regarding your specific injuries and the costs of each treatment for me to advise you on the size of a proper settlement amount.

I do feel able to state that if their best offer is under $80,000,
you are certainly being low balled.

If you would like to send me a PRIVATE follow up with as many details
as you can pack into the question regarding the injuries, treatment and cost of each treatment (pt, surgery,lost wages, er, ambulance, etc., I will be glad to thoroughly review the situation and provide my opinion.

On a demand, in order to get the insurance company to respond in a timely manner, you must also enter a time demand.  
ie., "I demand that you respond to this demand for settlement letter within 10 days".

I hope that this information is found to be helpful.  Your feedback by rating my response to this question will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area