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Expert: - 2/3/2012


Question
hi,

location: MA

i was involved in auto accident around 1 1/2 year ago. i was determined to be the party that was at fault. i was hurt after the accident and did seek treatment for a little bit. i stopped going after i was informed i was at fault and was afraid i had to pay the bill. i later found out that my bill would of been covered up to $2000. anyways, i went to appeal the accident and they found me less then 50% at fault (thank god). my question is, do i still have a claim for my injuries?

Answer
 Hello Jay,

In Massachusetts you have no fault coverage which means your medical bills - up to the limits of your coverage - would be paid for injuries sustained.  if you did not submit your original doctor bills initially, you should be able to do so now as long as the treatment was related to the accident.

If you start treatment now, your doctor would need to establish that the treatment was related to your injuries in that accident. Could be a tough sell.

As for liability, since you are less than 50% at fault, technically you could file a bodily injury claim with the other party's liability coverage.  But you would have to substantiate not only your injuries, but your pain and suffering.  After 1 1/2 years with no treatment, I don't see how you could make a case.  Ultimately, however, you would need to consult with an attorney to establish if you do indeed have a viable claim.

Hope this helps.

Jane Pytel
http://SolutionsForYourInsuranceClaim.com
http://FloridaAutoInsuranceCentral.com

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Jane Pytel

Expertise

I can answer questions related to auto accidents, auto damage, auto theft claims, or personal injury claims. I am specifically suited to answer questions concerning insurance investigations and the effects of those investigations such as claim delays, claim denials, examinations under oath, or the special investigations unit. I can answer most any question that relates to proper claims investigations, or claims handling procedures and processes. I have written a very detailed eBook, Power To Profit, which provides extensive insider information for who are in need of professional claims advice for their valid insurance claims. The book, along with numerous informative articles, are available on my website, http://SolutionsForYourInsuranceClaim.com

Experience

12 years of experience with 3 major insurance companies. I hold an all lines adjusters license in Florida. I am well versed in claims handling, claims investigations, and industry standards related to both. The bulk of my experience stems from my 10 years as a police officer / detective. Building on that investigative experience, I became an SIU (Special Investigations Unit) Investigator. Accordingly, my unique expertise lies in the investigation of claims. What is necessary and related, what is not necessary and related? What constitutes a fair claims investigation? What recourse is available for consumers who suspect they are experiencing unfair claims delays? During the course of my experience, I became a certified trainer, instructing adjusters and investigators proper techniques for claims investigation and claims handling.

Education/Credentials
B.A., Communications, University of Miami 350 credit hours of intense investigative training, Miami Dade Police 80 hours of investigative training, various Federal Agencies, Miami, Fl Intensive Accident Reconstruction and Pedestrian Injury Analysis, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Agency, Oklahoma City, OK 2 weeks Auto Damage Appraisal, Winston Salem, NC Legal Principles Claim Specialist, AEI

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