My attorney never contacts me, insurance called ME directly — is this normal??

Oh wow, this is almost exactly what happened to me. The other side's adjuster called me on my cell like my lawyer didn't exist. Turns out my attorney's office had never actually sent the representation letter. Once I pushed hard enough, they admitted it "fell through the cracks." That phone call from the insurance company is not normal — that's a real problem.

The representation letter thing is huge, but also — most state bar associations have rules requiring attorneys to keep clients "reasonably informed" about the status of their case and to respond to requests for updates within a reasonable time. Consistently not returning calls and only communicating by vague emails when pushed could be a violation depending on your state. You can usually look up your state bar's rules of professional conduct online and even file an inquiry if you think something's wrong. Just knowing that option exists can give you some leverage when you talk to them.

From the other side of the desk — when we received a rep letter, that contact went straight to the attorney, full stop. If we were still calling the claimant directly months later, it almost always meant we never got that letter. It's a five-minute task to send one. I'd honestly be asking your attorney's office to email you proof it was sent. If they can't produce it, you have your answer about how on top of things they are.

Ugh, I'm so sorry. Dealing with an injury is already exhausting and then having to chase down the person who's supposed to be in your corner? That's so unfair. Trust your gut here — if something feels off this many months in, it probably is.

Do NOT talk to the other driver's insurance. Like, hang up the second they call. They are fishing. They want you to say something like "I'm feeling a lot better" or "I think I'm almost done with PT" so they can lowball you later. Even if your attorney is dropping the ball, don't let the adjuster fill that vacuum.

You're not overreacting. Four months, no proactive communication, and the opposing insurer has no record of your attorney? That's not a busy law firm — that's a disorganized one. Send your attorney a short, direct email TODAY asking for: 1) the date the representation letter was sent, 2) who it was sent to, and 3) the current status of your case. Get everything in writing from here on out. Paper trail matters if you ever need to make a complaint or switch attorneys.

Few questions before I'd say it's definitely the attorney's fault: Did you confirm in writing what their specific obligations were at signing? Have you actually asked them directly, in an email, to confirm the rep letter was sent? Sometimes people assume their attorney is doing nothing when there's actually a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff happening that nobody explains. I'm not saying your concerns aren't valid — the direct call from insurance is definitely weird — just that I'd want more info before going scorched earth.