What to Do When Insurance Stops Responding After an Accident

What to Do When Insurance Stops Responding After an Accident

After a serious accident, your world may already feel like it has been turned upside down. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress are overwhelming enough. The last thing anyone wants is to be ignored by the very company that is supposed to help. Yet this is a reality for many accident victims: the insurance company simply stops responding.

Vaughn A. Wamsley has seen this time and again. As a trusted personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, our role is to ensure that you are never left without a voice. When an insurance company goes silent, there are clear, strategic steps you can take to protect your rights and keep your claim moving forward.

Our lead attorney, Vaughn A. Wamsley, has dedicated his career to standing up for victims throughout the state. With years of courtroom experience and a reputation for personal, relentless advocacy, we understand the games insurers play. We know how to fight back.

Let us walk you through what to do when the insurance company stops responding, and how we can help make sure you are heard.

The Silent Treatment: Why Insurance Companies Stop Responding

When you file a claim after a car accident, you expect timely communication. However, many insurers delay responses or cease communication entirely. This tactic is not accidental.

Here are some common reasons insurers stop responding:

  • Pressure to Settle for Less: Silence can push injured victims into accepting lowball offers out of desperation.
  • Claim Overload or Mismanagement: Adjusters may be juggling too many claims and fail to prioritize yours.
  • Internal Investigation: Sometimes they are investigating fraud or damages, but fail to inform you.
  • Hoping You Will Give Up: They know many victims lack the resources or knowledge to fight back.

We want you to know this: silence does not mean your claim is invalid. It is often a sign that your case may be worth more than the insurance company wants to pay.

Step One: Document Every Communication

If your insurance adjuster stops replying to emails, calls, or letters, start by gathering all evidence of your attempts to reach them.

Be sure to include:

  • Dates and times of all calls made or received
  • Copies of emails and letters sent
  • Notes on who you spoke with and what was said

This paper trail matters. It proves your diligence and can help establish bad faith later, if necessary. As an Indianapolis auto accident attorney, we use this documentation to strengthen your case.

Step Two: Know Your Rights Under Indiana Law

Indiana law does not allow insurance companies to ignore legitimate claims without consequence. Under the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, they are required to acknowledge receipt of a claim within a reasonable time and to promptly respond.

Failure to respond could amount to bad faith, which is a legal basis for additional damages. But proving bad faith is not easy without legal guidance.

As a dedicated Indianapolis injury attorney, we understand what is required to hold insurers accountable under Indiana law. We will assess whether your case may involve bad faith and guide you through every available remedy.

Step Three: Avoid Saying Too Much

When frustrated, it is natural to want to call the insurance company and demand answers. But it is important not to say anything that could harm your claim.

Avoid statements such as:

  • “Maybe I am partially at fault.”
  • “I just want to settle this quickly.”
  • “I do not want to go to court.”

These phrases can be used against you, especially if the insurer suddenly resumes contact. A car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, can speak on your behalf, ensuring your words are not twisted or misinterpreted.

Step Four: Send a Formal Demand Letter

If informal outreach fails, the next step is to send a formal demand letter. This is a professional document that outlines:

  • The facts of your accident
  • Your injuries and medical treatment
  • Lost wages and other damages
  • The amount you are seeking
  • A deadline for response

As experienced accident lawyers, we craft clear, assertive demand letters backed by evidence. Often, this action alone prompts a long-overdue response from the insurer.

Step Five: File a Complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance

If the insurance company still does not respond, you can file a formal complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance. This triggers a regulatory investigation.

While this step does not guarantee immediate results, it can apply pressure. When regulators get involved, insurance companies often take notice. We can help you file this complaint properly and track its progress.

Step Six: Consider Filing a Lawsuit

If the insurance company continues to ignore your claim, it may be time to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit does not mean your case will go to trial. In fact, many insurers resume communication quickly once legal pressure is applied.

As your Indianapolis auto accident attorney, we are prepared to file suit when necessary. We know how to build compelling arguments, uncover hidden evidence, and take cases to court when justice demands it.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the aftermath of an accident without legal guidance can be overwhelming. Insurance companies are not on your side. They have lawyers and adjusters working to minimize your compensation.

You deserve the same level of professional advocacy. We represent everyday people, not corporations or insurers. Vaughn A. Wamsley built this firm to ensure that injured individuals in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana have someone in their corner.

Our commitment goes beyond just winning cases. We believe in educating our clients, standing beside them in every hearing and mediation, and making sure their stories are told with truth and power.

Why Victims Choose Wamsley Law

Choosing a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis is not just about experience. It is about trust.

Our clients choose us because:

  • We treat every case like it matters, because it does
  • We take the time to understand your goals and fears
  • We offer honest advice, not false promises
  • We are courtroom-ready, even when others settle too soon
  • We understand local laws and the tactics used by Indiana insurers

Vaughn A. Wamsley has earned the trust of clients by being both fierce and compassionate. He is not afraid of the courtroom, and he does not back down from powerful insurance companies.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

If you do not respond to the silence with action, you may:

  • Lose the right to file your claim due to time limits
  • Miss the opportunity to collect fair compensation
  • Suffer unnecessary financial and emotional strain
  • Fall into traps set by the insurer when they finally respond

Doing nothing plays directly into the insurer’s strategy. They count on your silence, your fear, or your frustration. We will not let them win that way.

When You Are Tired of Waiting, We Are Ready to Act

We know how it feels to be ignored. Our clients come to us with pain, stress, and unanswered questions. They want someone who will listen, who will fight, and who will win.

You deserve answers. You deserve to be taken seriously. And you deserve compensation for what you have lost. If the insurance company will not give you the time of day, let us give them the fight of their life.

FAQ: What to Do When Insurance Stops Responding

What if the insurance adjuster is replaced or reassigned?

You should be notified, but often you are not. Continue documenting communication efforts and escalate the matter.

Is there a time limit to pursue my claim?

Yes. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident.

Can I still get compensation if the insurer ignores me?

Yes. Silence does not cancel your right to compensation. It may even increase your chances of pursuing additional damages in bad-faith cases.

Should I talk to the other party’s insurance company myself?

No. Allow your accident lawyer in Indianapolis to handle this to avoid any mistakes that could weaken your claim.

Do all cases require a lawsuit?

No. Many are resolved with negotiation, especially when an attorney is involved. But we are always prepared to litigate when needed.

Key Takeaway

Silence from the insurance company is not the end of the road. It is a signal to act. By documenting communication, asserting your rights, and seeking legal representation, you can regain control over your claim. 

As a trusted Indianapolis injury attorney, we have the experience, courage, and commitment to push back against insurance games. When they stop listening, we make them hear you.

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2025 Vaughn A. Wamsley. All rights reserved.