Four months ago, I was rear-ended by a taxi. It was completely his fault, and his insurance company owes me $3,500 to get my car replaced because it was totaled. My mom has been calling everyday since the accident, and the insurance person we are dealing with will not return her calls. She has even gone to their place of business requesting they give her the check. She's even called the Better Business Bureau, and they told her that there isn't much they can do! For what reason, I'm really not sure. We've gotten a lawyer, but the taxi's insurance company won't return his calls either. The guy even lied to us and told us he sent the check, but he didn't. I've been having to drive my car with a bent frame, I now need an alignment, and my tires are going bad. The accumulated stress is causing me to have troubles sleeping. PLEASE!!! Is there ANYTHING I can do???
2007-09-11 09:41:16 · 7 answers · asked by Hypocrite Opportunist 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Our lawyer is telling us that the insurance guy isn't returning his calls either. As far as leaving the situation in the lawyers hands: Already, he has proven himself worthless. He asked my mom out to dinner, in my opinion, completely unprofessional and good reason to get another attorney, but mom said that will just take even more time than is already being wasted. I'd be more than happy to do things myself, but I'm 17, and there isn't much you can do as a minor. I'll talk to mom about the small claims court. I appreciate the answers. They're all really helpful.
2007-09-11 11:44:55 · update #1
If you have hired an attorney - then you are paying him to handle this situation. So, put it in his lap. His fee is going to be approx 1/3 of your settlement. Let him earn it.
Since you have an attorney - the insurance company is not going to return a call to you. Once you hire an attorney, you give up the right to deal with the ins co directly. Unless the adjuster has written confirmation from your attorney giving them permission to deal with you directly about the property damage claim - the insurance adjuster will not call you back.
This is not to punish you for getting an attorney. An insurance adjuster can get into a whole lot of trouble for speaking with you without your attorney's permission. It's also a professional courtesy thing. Good adjusters and good plaintiffs attorneys realize that we will work with each other again and it's in both our interest to maintain a good working relationship with each other.
2007-09-11 10:19:59 · answer #1 · answered by Boots 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there an insurance regulator for your state? You might try writing a letter to your State Attorney General's office. Many states regulate insurance companies to make sure they're complying with the law.
The BBB can't do much, they only act as mediators between two parties with a dispute.
Call your local television news media. Often, television exposure can force a company to fess up. Consider filing your case in small claims court. You can call the court clerk to see what the maximum amount you can sue for is. They can also help you file the forms needed for the suit.
2007-09-11 16:48:58 · answer #2 · answered by Phurface 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can not believe The Better Business Bureau told you there isn't much you can do. Your next step is Small Claims Court. They can not ignore a court summons or they will lose the case. Then you have the court on your side to recoup your loses. Don't forget to add your expenses to this (Lawyer fees, ruined tires because of the bent frame etc. Don't forget mental stress adds into this also.
2007-09-11 16:49:14 · answer #3 · answered by wjenningssr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Tell your lawyer to file a lawsuit against them for the amount of the damages, since the insurance company won't return calls. Or, better yet, file a claim with YOUR insurance company, get the car repaired, and let your insurance company battle it out with theirs. Your mom shouldn't have to call them every day to make something happen.
The BBB is a consumer advicacy group, but they can't do anything other than make a report with the information you provide and make it available to other people who need it.
2007-09-11 16:47:46 · answer #4 · answered by Hillary 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Small claims court to take matters into your own hands.
2007-09-11 16:49:15 · answer #5 · answered by jonathanrovillard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your state should have a board or agency that regulates insurance companies. Contact them.
2007-09-11 16:46:27 · answer #6 · answered by Michael C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a lawyer then he should know what to do and thats take them to court sue them for the highest amonut
2007-09-11 16:47:49 · answer #7 · answered by infoman89032 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋