Got blindsided by a fault decision I never knew was happening — is this normal??

This happened to me almost exactly. Other driver's insurance made a decision, I found out through a letter, and my own carrier acted like it was already over. What I eventually learned is that you can formally request the claims file — all the notes, photos, statements — and challenge specific findings. It's a pain but it's not impossible to get a redetermination. Don't let them tell you the window has closed without actually checking your state's rules.

Former adjuster here. What you're describing is unfortunately pretty standard practice, especially when the claim is filed with the other driver's insurance. Their insurer has zero obligation to loop you in — their job is to settle their policyholder's claim, not to give you a heads up. Your own insurer should have been more proactive, but a lot of the time reps just sit on their hands if there's no active demand on their end yet.

The good news: a liability decision made by the adverse carrier isn't automatically the final word. If you dispute it in writing and push your own insurance to open a proper investigation, the determination can sometimes be reversed or split. Document everything you remember about the road position, any photos you took at the scene, even the weather that day.

They do this on purpose. The less you know, the less you can fight it. If you'd been contacted for a recorded statement you might have said something useful for your defense — but they also might have used it against you, so honestly sometimes the silence cuts both ways. Either way, don't just accept the outcome. Dispute it in writing, certified mail, keep copies of everything.

A few practical things worth knowing: (1) You generally have the right to request arbitration between the two insurers if liability is disputed — ask your carrier about the inter-company arbitration process. (2) Check whether your state has a Department of Insurance complaint process; filing a complaint sometimes gets you more attention than calling customer service ever will. (3) If this hits your driving record, some states let you add a personal statement to the record explaining your version. Not legal advice, just stuff worth asking about.

Not legal advice, but this is worth at least a free consultation with a PI attorney. The question isn't just about the money already paid — it's about what this does to your premiums and record going forward. Some attorneys will review the liability determination and advise you on disputing it at no cost upfront. The fact that you were never given a chance to participate in the investigation could actually matter depending on your state.

Call your insurance, use the word 'formal dispute,' and put everything in writing from here on out. No more phone-only conversations. Email or certified letter so you have a paper trail. If your adjuster keeps brushing you off, escalate to a supervisor and mention you're considering a DOI complaint. That word — 'Department of Insurance' — tends to move things along.

Did you get any photos at the scene? Any witnesses? I ask because when you go to dispute this, the strength of your case is going to depend heavily on what evidence you actually have versus what the other driver may have submitted. If it's just your word against theirs with no documentation, the uphill climb is real — but still worth trying.