My friend had an accident and when she called the insurance company they said her policy had been cancelled. The other driver may have whiplash. What might happen and what can she do?
2007-07-04 07:50:05 · 9 answers · asked by swiftsam_uk 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
we are from the uk!
2007-07-04 08:01:43 · update #1
Immediately call a Lawyer.Put all your savings in some kind of escrow account.
2007-07-04 07:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work in auto injury law. If the party who is claiming whiplash needs to seek medical help and ongoing treatments for this soft tissue injury your friend will have to pay for the medical treatments, lost wages to the individual and possibly pain and suffering. This is what the insurance would have settled for her once the individual had completed treatments. As she had no insurance the other party can take her to court in a civil suit, sue for all of the above plus court and attorney fee's. As judges frown upon irrisponsible drivers who don't have insurance the other party has a very good chance of winning the case. If your friend cannot pay this debt the other party can file for garnishment of her wages and tax returns.
The good news is that some people find there is no insurance to be had so they just drop the case all together and end up being "not as hurt" as they originally thought. I have seen so many cases where a person gets into an accident and all they see is dollar signs. It is a "I have a winning lottery ticket, Cha-Ching!" mentality. That is partially why auto insurance is so expensive. Does your friend own a house? If so, a lien can be attached to it until the settlement is paid off. Any assets she has can be scrutinized for payment to this other party if they decide to pursue the case. So, best of luck to her and everyone - CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES - be sure you carry a minimum of 25/50 and always carry the medical insurance on your policy of 5k. This is not much but for just a few dollars it will cover up to 5k in medical bills per accident. The other party may carry underinsured or unisured on his/her own policy that covers this type of accident. She is in for a long hard process if this party pursues it. And she will have to pay a fine for no insurance as well as having her insurance premiums skyrocket as she was not covered and in an accident.
2007-07-04 08:04:48 · answer #2 · answered by phxmilitarymom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, no insurance is a criminal offense. She must find out why she has been cancelled. The insurance companies will try to wriggle out if they can. Has she given false or invalid information? Try to get it in writing, with this go to citizens advice bureau for free help. If not, then a solicitor. The other side can sue for damages even if it's their fault I believe! Because of the criminal act she's committed. deep poo could result. We are in a compenstion setting in world, Don't delay, take legal advice!
2007-07-04 08:04:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is in big trouble. First of all, driving with no insurance is against the law and if the other party is injured, your friend will most likely get sued for the medical costs and the cost of repairs to the other vehicle, and she will have to pay to fix her own car.
Insurance is no joke, and it scares the bejeezus out of me to see all these questions about driving/accidents without insurance.
2007-07-04 07:58:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have her go speak with an attorney. He will explain the laws for your state with regard to your friend's situation. To many unknowns here to really give a good answer. Is your state a "no fault" state? That may make a difference. Presumably, the other party will seek damages, obain a judgment and try to collect on it.
2007-07-04 07:56:55 · answer #5 · answered by Rabbit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it can be resolved out of court you would probably be alright but if it is taken to court you might face high fines because in the state of California if you have a car you have to have insurance for it and if you have children you should put them on the insurance
2007-07-04 07:55:14 · answer #6 · answered by BBQ_Word2yoMama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well she could be sewed, and depending on how bad the other people's injuries are she could possibly have to sell her house or anything of value to pay the cost of their medical bills. not to mention that its illegal and she will have to answer to the police... good luck
2007-07-04 07:56:02 · answer #7 · answered by import guy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u would need to pay with your own money
2007-07-04 08:22:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is screwed.
2007-07-04 07:52:29 · answer #9 · answered by runner1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋