Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
After you submit additional medical evidence to support your personal injury claim in Alabama, you must follow up proactively to keep your file moving and protect your rights. Here’s how:
- Confirm Receipt Promptly: Within 7–10 days of sending new records, email or mail a clear cover letter to the claims adjuster. Include your name, claim number, date of injury and a list of attached medical records. Ask the insurer to acknowledge receipt in writing.
- Reference Insurer Obligations: Under Alabama’s Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act (Ala. Code § 27-12-23), insurers must promptly investigate and process claims in good faith. While the statute does not set exact response deadlines, repeated silence or delay may violate this duty.
- Maintain Detailed Records: Keep a written log of every call, email and letter. Note dates, times, names and summary of each discussion. Store copies of all correspondence and delivery confirmations in a dedicated folder.
- Request a Status Update: If you haven’t heard back within the insurer’s stated timeline (often 14–21 days), send a polite but firm follow-up email. Ask for a clear timeline for reviewing your newly submitted evidence and a date by which you can expect a decision.
- Send Structured Reminders: If the adjuster misses the promised deadline, send a formal reminder every 10–14 days. Restate the evidence you provided, reference earlier communications and urge the insurer to avoid unfair settlement practices.
- Escalate When Necessary: If you receive no substantive response after multiple attempts, send a written demand letter. Cite the insurer’s duty under Ala. Code § 27-12-23 and warn that you may pursue legal remedies. Include a reasonable deadline for reply (for example, 10 business days).
- Mind the Filing Deadline: Alabama gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ala. Code § 6-2-38). Use this timeframe to encourage timely insurer action.
By confirming receipt, referencing statutory duties, tracking every interaction and setting clear deadlines, you can move your claim forward and preserve your legal options.
Helpful Hints
- Use certified mail or email read receipts for all important correspondence.
- Keep your follow-up messages concise, professional and free of emotional language.
- Ask the insurer to provide any updated policy or coverage statements in writing.
- Consider requesting a copy of the adjuster’s file under Alabama’s Open Records Act if you hit a roadblock.
- If the insurer remains unresponsive or denies your claim without valid reason, consult a personal injury attorney promptly to protect your rights.