The driver was drunk and was arrested at the scene by some cops who just happened to be there. A few days later I requested the accident report so I could get the guy's insurance info, but was only able to get the part that is public record because the case was referred for further investigation. I called the investigating officer, offered my statement, and he sent me some paperwork, which I completed and followed up on with the hospital (they needed my med. records to charge the guy with criminal vehicular injury). The cops won't tell me the insurance info until the report is released. I still can't get the report. I have been recieving bills from the ER and the CT scan and the ambulance, and I can't afford to pay them, so I NEED this guy's insurance info. Is there any way I can get it now? How is it fair that I am the victim and I am being punished, perhaps suffering permanent harm to my credit score if I can't come up with the money, when MY name and address are now public
2006-10-18 05:28:49 · 6 answers · asked by Beneficentia 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
record, so that I have been getting a ton of mailings from chiropractors and lawyers. I don't really feel right about suing this guy, but I do need my bills to be covered, and I need to get that started NOW. Any ideas?
2006-10-18 05:29:54 · update #1
You need to protect yourself and your credit. In our system it's really hard to do this without a lawyer. The lawyer should be able to contact the ER and Ambulance company and and get them to wait without harming your credit. The lawyer may also have ways of getting the information you need.
The lawyer should not charge you (if the driver has insurance), but he will certainly want to get a 2nd medical opinion and additional medical treatment and tests.
I understand you feel bad about suing this guy, but you deserve to at least have your bills paid.
The person who hit you hit you, if insured, will have real problems with future driving record and insurance. I doubt you will make his problems any worse by putting in your claim.
If he is not insured (unless he's rich), the lawyer will almost certainly not take the case.
If this happens, contact the prosecutor and ask them to ask the judge for restitution from the guy who hit you. This is very common. That way, the judge can revoke any probation or parole if the guy doesn't pay you back, and you will not have to sue.
Worst case - Sue him in small claims court. You'll probably win, but you'll have a harder time getting your money.
If it does have a negative effect on the person who hit you, you may be doing the guy a favor. He needs to hit bottom.
Good luck.
2006-10-18 05:58:00 · answer #1 · answered by John L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have insurance? Car insurance, they can take the gays name and date of accident and other information and look it up for you.
In the meantime make arrangements with the hospital to pay a little at a time. Its interest and pentaly free.
If in the accident report why not contact the motor vechile dept with his license number and see if you can find out his insurance carrier.
2006-10-18 05:39:14 · answer #2 · answered by kickinupfunf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most lawyers will offer a free or reduced consultation. Contact a lawyer in your area for help with this matter. I know from personal experience that in a personal injury suit, the lawyer will defer his costs until after the Court awards damages. The lawyer will be able to access information that you can't, and you can refer all creditors to your lawyer rather than hassling with them yourself.
2006-10-18 05:33:27 · answer #3 · answered by kc_warpaint 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have a lawyer yet? Get one, most will take you case on a pay if we win basis.
2006-10-18 05:32:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to obtain an lawyer NOW!!!....and shop around also for one that you can pay up once settlement is reached....
2006-10-18 06:17:24 · answer #5 · answered by sosickiam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I BEEN STUCK BY A SMOOTH CRIMINAL!
2006-10-18 05:36:22 · answer #6 · answered by ~Peace~N~Love~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋