The night of Feb 2' 2007 I was sitting at a red light when a car t-boned me. (Hit me directly in the drivers side) On the back quarter panel, exactly where the gas tank is. The lady who hit me was arrested at the scene. My boyfriend was in the car with me. Neither of us were taking by Ambulance to the ER, we went on our own directly after the wreck. Nothing was broken, I have a few scratches on my hand and face, along with back problems, and trouble with ribs. I presume just bruised. The drunken parties insurance company has tried to contact her and she is not getting back to them. They said they are unable to resolve the matter til they speak with their client the one who is not cooperating. (Would it be in my best interest to get a lawyer? Or now do I just have to sit and wait til this lady decides that it's the right thing to do and talk to her insurance company.
2007-02-06 14:53:47 · 9 answers · asked by APIDLady 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If you do suggest getting a lawyer, how long should I wait, and will it be a conflict of interest with the insurance company?
2007-02-06 15:02:10 · update #1
Get a lawyer!!! The sooner the better. Most will do free consultations, check out a couple. I was in a bad car accident, taken by ambulance to a hospital an hour away and although my main complaint was my lower back they checked my head and neck and failed to run a series on my lower back, three months later they found two slipped discs in my back resulting from the accident and it can take months to heal if it ever does. It mahy take months for drs to find this out. A lawyer will protect your rights better than either insurance company.
2007-02-06 16:56:19 · answer #1 · answered by missruralamerica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOu can get a civil attorney if the damages to your car aren't covered. She's probably not contacting her insurance company just yet because she's probably in jail for a few days. If this is her 2nd or 3rd DUI, she'll be in jail longer. If she is making calls, I'm sure it's not to her insurance company. I know it's frustrating, but be patient.
If she goes to court the prosecutors office will most likely call you. They'll also take a statement if you received any injuries and the damage to your car. The court may rule that she has to pay you.
It takes time. You may not hear anything for 5-8 weeks, and that is being optimistic.
2007-02-06 15:01:09 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure you need a Lawyer. If you want your car repaired and if you feel you have been injured, that's the only way you are going to get any compensation from this accident. You can probally find an attorney that will take your case with little, or no money down. Gather up all your paperwork pertaining to this accident and start calling around. You definitely won't regret it !
2007-02-06 15:07:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i assume you reported the accident to your own insurance broker, and if the other party was arrested there exists a police report. secure yourself a copy of that report when it becomes available. keep your claim number and police report in a convenient place along with a chronological history of the event and subsequent communications with all involved parties. if your new acquaintance is not cooperating there are usually extenuating circumstances that you will not want any part of. if your physical situation puts you in need of a physician then you may very well need a lawyer.
2007-02-06 15:16:49 · answer #4 · answered by pacman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you're an American, yes.
Consult a reputable lawyer whom offers free intial consultation. (S)he will be able to let you know what you can do, and what your rights are.
Additionally, you *may* be able to sue the driver directly in addition to any settlement the Insurer may offer. However, if you do hire a lawyer, do NOT send him hunting right away, but allw him to sit-in on any meetings the Insurer asks for, and show him or her anything they offer you before you sign it! They are likely to offer you far less than they are required to.
2007-02-06 15:05:53 · answer #5 · answered by jcurrieii 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could contact your insurance company and, especially if you have comprehensive coverage, they'll advise you and perhaps contact her insurance company. I'm surprised that lawyers haven't been knocking at your door already. Lawyer up if all else fails.
2007-02-06 15:03:29 · answer #6 · answered by Crystal Blue Persuasion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call the insurance company and tell them you want your car fixed and fifteen-thousand dollars to cover medical costs for yourself and future increase in insurance premiums. if you walked away from the accident that seems fair and reasonable. they should jump at it before your attorney tells your doctor you have "soft tissue injury"...the cash always makes the pain go away..
2007-02-07 06:08:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get an attorney to represent you in this matter. Her insurance company will most likely not act in your best interest.
2007-02-06 14:57:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yah i suggest an attorney
2007-02-06 15:00:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋