Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 8/18/2009

Question
I had a relatively minor rear end accident (other driver was at fault).  I had two months of chiropractor visits before my neck felt normal again.  I sent a demand letter on 6/17 along with copies of all of the medical bills. Each time I call to find out the status, they are either going over the bills or are requesting more information.  Is this delay part of the "game" so that I will accept their first offer?  Obviously they don't care how long this drags out. Is there anything I can do to speed things up?

Answer
Hi Johanna,

Yes this is part of the game. Although, they do need to review the file and the medical records.

You should correspond with them only in writing. Everything you send should be sent by certified mail/return receipt requested. In every letter you send you should request q written response within 15 days. That may get them to respond to you in a timely manner.

The process of negotiating an injury settlement could take several weeks to several months depending on the size of your claim. Just stay in there and keep the preasure on them to respond to them. If you do not feel you are being treated fairly by the adjuster, call his or her manager. You may get better results there.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh