What’s going on with this deposit?!
I was involved in a car accident on February 18th. A driver slammed into me from behind on the highway, and even after the impact, they sped in front of my vehicle, crossed into another lane, and hit another car. Thankfully, my two small children were in the car, but they are fine after being checked out at the hospital. I hired a lawyer shortly after the incident. I spoke with the other driver’s insurance just once, found it odd, and decided to get legal representation. Since then, I’ve heard nothing from them.
Recently, I received a Zelle payment from the insurance company labeled as a claim settlement, but my lawyer hasn’t been able to get in touch with them to find out what it’s for. I’ve heard different things—some say it’s for the body shop, others say it’s related to PIP. I’m trying to figure out what I should do with this money. I’m waiting for my lawyer to get back to me, but I thought I’d reach out here in the meantime. This all took place in Maryland, which I know can make a difference.
Edit: I’m looking for opinions from anyone who has been through a similar experience. I’m not looking for concrete facts since I understand things can vary by state. Thanks!
It sounds like a really stressful situation, and I’m glad to hear that you and your children are okay after the accident. As for the deposit you received, there are a few possibilities to consider:
Advance Payment for Medical Expenses: Sometimes insurance companies send payments to help cover immediate medical costs as part of the settlement process.
Partial Settlement: It could be an initial payment towards your overall claim. Even if your lawyer hasn’t heard back from them, some insurance companies might issue a preliminary payment to speed up the process.
PIP (Personal Injury Protection): In Maryland, PIP coverage can provide benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, and it’s possible this deposit is related to that.
Compensation for Property Damage: If your car has been assessed and the insurance company has determined an amount for damages, that could also be a reason for the payment.
It’s great that you’ve retained a lawyer; they should be able to provide clarity once they get a response. In the meantime, it’s best to keep any evidence related to the deposit, including the Zelle confirmation, in case you need to reference it later. Make sure to communicate everything with your attorney when they get back to you!
Hopefully, you’ll hear from your lawyer soon and get some clarity on what the deposit means for your case.