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Auto Insurance Claims/Retracting Statement to Ins. Adjuster

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Expert: - 9/25/2010


Question
My son (adult) received a concussion in a very serious auto accident in
which he received a DWI ticket and failing to merge properly ticket.  He was
in and out consciousness at the accident sight, was taken to an ER, and
discharged 8 hours later & took a cab home.  His license was not taken.  
Within 24 -48 hours of the accident he was reporting his accident to his
insurance company and denied that he was drinking (all recorded/oath,
etc.),  His head was not clear and he definitely had gaps of memory of what
went down at the accident.  He since has received car accident settlement
information and the Ins. Co. is proceeding with the bank re: lien.  He wants
to report to the insurance that he WAS drinking before cashing/signing any
documents because he doesn't want to be charged with any type of
insurance fraud/ or it not back him up on any other claims from the other
party.  Is it too late? Is the damage done already?  He's very frightened on so
many levels which he very well should be but his own insurance company
should be completely informed.  Right?

Answer
He should call the insurance adjuster now and explain what happened.  Explain he was suffering from a head injury and not thinking straight.  This should be considered a reasonable explanation for lying.  However, the longer he waits, the less credible an explanation this becomes.  They will find out later when they run his driving record.

Auto Insurance Claims

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Claims Guy

Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

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