The little guy can get justice
(this article was first published in the LifeStyles section of the January 26, 2009 edition of the Lowell Sun. If you're interested in viewing other articles, click here.)

Stress Unit
By MICHAEL HAYDEN, Sun Correspondent
Lowell Sun

DEAR MIKE: In November, I was driving down a main road in town when a drunken driver hit me. The police arrested the person; I went to the hospital and was treated and released.

My life has been a nightmare ever since. First, the other driver never reported the accident to her insurance company, so getting paperwork became a nightmare. I was forced to hire a lawyer to get through that. The problem now lies with my insurance company, with whom I had very good coverage.

The initial figure they gave me for my car, which was totaled, was unacceptable. I appealed the decision and was awarded an additional $1,000. Originally, I was granted a rental car through the other driver's insurance. But the day I signed the agreement with my own insurance company, the rental car was called back because, I was informed, I would have a check in a couple of days. That was over a month ago. The bank where I got the loan for my car was paid off two weeks ago. I have still not received my portion of the check.

Meanwhile, I got a new bank loan and purchased a car, which I was to pick up almost two weeks ago; all I need is the check from my insurance company. Numerous calls to the insurance company have produced no results. I contacted my agent, who has had little luck. I'm frustrated and embarrassed at having to call the dealership where the car is to tell them the check is not in yet.

I believe all this is in retaliation for my appealing the original amount of the settlement. Do you have any suggestions or should I just sit and wait quietly like my friends say I should? -- Susan

DEAR SUSAN: You must be familiar with the story David and Goliath. Not only can you do something about this, you should do something about it. It is only when people like you stand up for yourself that things change.

Your first step should be to call the insurance company and let them know you are going to file a complaint with the state insurance commissioner. If this does not produce immediate results, file the complaint. Next, find out which state legislators sit on the insurance regulatory commission and send them a copy of your complaint.

If you still have not received any satisfaction, you could seek out a media source to tell your story. Sooner or later, someone in authority will listen.

This is also an excellent way for you to vent your anger so that you do not internalize it, making your situation worse. Remember, the little guy can beat these companies; sometimes it just takes a while. -- Mike

Michael Hayden is a certified anger management counselor who runs Bay State Anger Management and Counseling in Chelmsford. Send questions to him at Stressunit@aol.com or send mail to: Stress Unit, c/o The Editor, Box 1477, Lowell, MA 01853.