Detailed Answer
Disclaimer: This article provides general information under New Jersey law and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to address your specific circumstances.
Once you submit additional medical evidence to support your personal injury claim, an organized, proactive approach helps ensure the insurer reviews your materials and moves your claim forward. In New Jersey, insurers must handle claims in good faith and avoid unfair settlement practices under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 17:29B-4 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices).
Follow these key steps:
- Confirm Receipt and Record Details. Contact the adjuster by phone or email within 3–5 business days of your submission. Ask for written confirmation of receipt. Note the date, time, person spoken with, and claim number in your records.
- Use Clear, Concise Communication. In your follow-up, reference the claim number, date you submitted evidence, and type of documents (e.g., MRI report, physician’s notes). Keep emails brief and professional.
- Set Reasonable Deadlines. Ask the insurer to acknowledge receipt and provide an updated timeline for review. For example, “Please confirm receipt by [date] and advise on the next steps within 10 business days.” This creates accountability.
- Track All Correspondence. Maintain a dedicated folder—digital or physical—for every email, letter, and phone note. These records protect your rights if you later need to show the insurer delayed unreasonably.
- Escalate if Necessary. If you receive no response within the timeframe you requested, send a second follow-up referencing your prior communication. Copy a supervisor or claims manager to elevate the matter.
- Invoke New Jersey’s Good Faith Requirement. If the insurer still stalls, remind them of New Jersey’s Unfair Claims Practices Act. You can state, “Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 17:29B-4, insurers must acknowledge and act upon communications promptly and fairly.” This often prompts action.
- Consider Mediation or a Complaint. Persistent delays may justify filing a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) or requesting alternative dispute resolution. Visit the DOBI website (state.nj.us/dobi) for forms and procedures.
- Consult an Attorney. If follow-ups fail, a personal injury lawyer can send a demand letter or file suit before the two-year statute of limitations expires under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:14-2 (Statute of Limitations).
Helpful Hints
- Always use the claim number in subject lines and letters.
- Keep your tone professional; avoid emotional language.
- Proofread written communication for clarity and accuracy.
- Use certified mail or read-receipt email for important documents.
- Schedule reminders in your calendar for key follow-up dates.
- Ask for written explanations if the insurer declines coverage or reduces benefits.
- Stay patient but persistent—consistent follow-up signals you take your claim seriously.
- Document any unreasonable delay—it may support a bad-faith claim later.