6 months ago I was in fault for an auto accident. I am now being sued for $200,000 basically for pain and suffering, which is crazy to that extent because the injuries were not that severe. Both of us walked away from the accident. My insurance covers up to $100,000 so the leaves the rest to me. What typical happens in cases like this?
2007-03-27 11:27:34 · 8 answers · asked by stephen d 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First, make sure you give a copy of the summons and complaint to your insurance company right away. The insurance company will hire a lawyer to defend you. That is why you buy insurance.
You also may want to hire another lawyer to advise you about protecting your personal assets. A personal lawyer can also put pressure on the insurance company to settle the lawsuit.
At the very least, let your insurance company know, in writing, that you expect them to resolve the claim, if they can do so, within your policy limits. Lawsuits often include inflated numbers to encourage settlement, and most personal injury lawyers will jump at the chance to settle for policy limits.
You should seek the advice of a lawyer in your area.
Your lawyer(s) will be in the best position to advise you about what to expect. Make sure you ask your lawyer(s) to cc you on all correspondence, so you can keep tabs on how the defense is going.
Good luck!
2007-03-27 11:54:55 · answer #1 · answered by www.lvtrafficticketguy.com 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing is ever "typical" in any lawsuit! Your insurance company is obligated to cover only up to the limits of the policy, & usually will have an obligation to defend you in a suit. You should definitely inform your company of the suit - right away! The worst thing that can happen is to ignore the suit - then you could end up with a default judgment against you for the full $200k. The burden is on the person suing you to prove their damages, which may be difficult given what you said about everyone walking away. What will likely happen is that as long as your insurance company gets involved, they will hire a defense attorney & the matter will be settled for somewhere up to your policy limits. Just make sure you let your insurance company know what has happened.
2007-03-27 11:51:23 · answer #2 · answered by Charlie L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a good lawyer and kiss you money good bye. Sorry but you are in for a rough time and while accidents happen you were at fault.
I walked away from my wreck to. But within a week the whiplash set in and I am messed up for life and can't even work. Unless you have reports or have spoken with the person you have no idea what they may really be going through. I would have much rather had my health than the money I got and what seems like allot does not go far with medical bills.
As the other person said your insurance should be fighting for you also. You really need to speak with a lawyer to find out what can happen to you in your state and with what coverage you had.
2007-03-27 11:39:35 · answer #3 · answered by FX_Make-upArtist 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on how badly the other party was injured. Make the insurance company fight for you. The insurance company will just settle if the injuries are too bad, then they will drop you like a hot rock....No insurance, you are pretty much screwed if the accident was bad
2007-03-27 11:37:35 · answer #4 · answered by Denise R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You must touch your coverage enterprise. This is what you pay them for. You will have to do that ASAP as you've gotten an excessively restricted time where to reply a lawsuit. Without realizing all of the deatils and the character of the fit you fairly cannot get a well reply right here. Seriously, touch your coverage enterprise
2016-09-05 18:11:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh wow. You'll have to file for bankruptcy or hire a lawyer to reduce the amount.
Actually, your insurance company should be fighting on your behalf. If they win, then they won't owe anything and neither will you!
2007-03-27 11:34:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't depend on your insurance company for help. hire a lawyer.
2007-03-27 11:35:56 · answer #7 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hire a laywer.....probably file bankrupcy unless ur loaded....good luck...
http://disguiseddisciple.com
2007-03-27 11:38:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋