getting sued because of a car accident?

Question

my dad got into a car accident a few months back. now the guy he collided with is suing him for 30,000 dollars. if he loses the case(even though my dad's innocent), who will have to pay the 30,000 dollars? will his insurance pay for it or will he have to take the money out of his own pocket? thanks in advance...

the guys is suing because he thinks its my dad's fault. i think he got excited when my dad pleaded not guilty to the ticket and he lost. the guy says he was physically and mentally injured but he looked fine like a week after the accident at court. its funny because what the cop put in the ticket was opposite of what happened. like my dad ended up in the yard when it was really the other guy

Answer 1

If your father has auto insurance coverage, I hope he reported this accident to his insurer immediately!! And, if he has received suit papers (summons and complaint), he must notify his insurance company and supply them with those documents immediately or be in jeapardy of his insurer denying him coverage on the basis that he failed to report the loss and the lawsuit in a timely fashion. Your father's insurance company will provide an attorney to defend him against the civil suit and they will pay for the defense costs as well as the amount of any judgement, up to the limit of the liability coverage. So, for example, if your father carries $50,000 per person liability coverage and the court awarded the other driver $30,000, the full amount of the award would be covered by your father's insurer since it was within the limit of his coverage. Most importantly, if he hasn't already done so, REPORT THE LOSS TO HIS INSURER ASAP!!

Answer 2

IF your dad has liability on his insurance policy ---and I assume he does as I believe at LEAST in NY it is MANDATORY to have liability insurance, then the insurance will pay IF he loses the case.... I was sued in 1996 for $6.5 MILLION because some old guy was running across a dark road in the middle of rush hour traffic and I happened to be the one to hit him. Even though the investigating cops found HIM at fault (they called it Pedestrian error), he sued ME and was awarded only $100,000.00 which was totally paid by my insurance....

Answer 3

Your dad needs to notify his insurance company ASAP. They will investigate the accident, and decide whether it is better to settle the claim or fight the suit. All your dad needs to do is follow the instructions of his insurer.

This is why it is important to notify your insurance company of all accidents, even if you don't believe it is your fault. They can review the matter and determine what evidence is need. This way if someone attempts to file a claim, they can defend you.

Answer 4

Your DAD will have to pay the $30,000, unless he has insurance to cover it. Your DAD will also have to pay to hire an attorney, unless he has insurance to cover it.

There are "standards of fault" to hold people at fault. They will look at where the damage is on both vehicles, and what each party says happened, and see who's story is substantiated by the actual damages on the vehicles.

Police do NOT determine fault. Police reports are EVIDENCE, but not as strong as the damage on the vehicles. Tickets do NOT determine fault. They are seperate issues.

Answer 5

Assuming your father had insurance on the day of the accident, his insurance will pay if he loses in court. That's what insurance is for.

Answer 6

car insurance should pay if your dad had liability. Why is the guy sueing? Are you in a No-fault state

Answer 7

THAT'S WHY it is not too smart to drive without insurance.

His ins co will represent him, so, try not to worry. His ins co will pay, but they won't roll over and play dead. If he hasn't notified the ins co. yet, do it ASAP.

Answer 8

You should hand over any copies of the suit to your ins. company..it's their problem.