newjerseynewsroom.com

BY CAROL ABAYA

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

THE SANDWICH GENERATION

As the activity of “ambulance chasers” skyrockets, drivers are cautioned to make wise decisions in both getting new insurance and in keeping records of any accidents.

“Insurance fraud costs consumers and insurance companies millions of dollars every year,” reports Ken Kobylowski, Acting Commission of New Jersey’s Department of Banking and Insurance.

In a just released press statement, Kobylowski said that consumers often face important decisions on insurance, medical treatment and auto repair after an auto accident. He said they (consumers) can end up paying unnecessary expenses or even become victims of fraud if they make a hasty or unwise decision.

“If consumers follow some common sense measures after an auto accident, they can avoid fraud and navigate easily through the insurance system.”

Kobylowski advises taking the following steps in order to stay clear of fraudsters.

• Visit professionals you trust. While most doctors and lawyers are honest professions, there are some who try to profit from consumers’ accident-related injuries. Only visit health care providers and attorneys you know and trust.
• Avoid offers to good to be true. By wary of any solicitations offering civil settlements or advance payments either by mail or in person.
• Keep organized records. If you see a physician, keep careful records of all medical treatment, including dates, treatment given and diagnosis. These records must be compared against the statements received by the insurance companies in order to make sure the bill isn’t padded or treatment fabricated.
• Report the accident to the police even if the damage is minor. An accurate report is a necessary document when filing a claim with the insurance company.
• Take pictures of the damage.
• Count the numbers of passengers in the other vehicle. It is important to get all of the names, phone numbers and drivers’ licenses to prevent more people that were not in the car from filing claims later on.

REMEMBER: What seems to be too good to be true (messages from ambulance chasers) is 99 percent false.

The Sandwich Generation is reader interactive and welcomes comments and questions from readers. Contact Abaya via her website www.sandwichgeneration.com or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She does not respond to comments posted on this site.

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