...it was my fault. I went to court and pled "no contest." I was a minor at the time, so my father is liable for me. We recently received a lawsuit for injuries from the other driver and the two passengers in the other vehicle. My insurance company, State Farm, notified us that they offered $10,000 for each person (totaling = $30,000) in the other vehicle as an attempt to settle out of court. It was denied. The suit does not state any particular amount of money they are asking for. With $300,000 of liability insurance and $1,000,000 umbrella policy, what do you believe the chances of my family losing any assets are? Our insurance company also stated that their injuries were "skin tissue" injuries. I just want to know what could happen. I really need some peace of mind and reassurance. My mother has been giving me h*ll about it. My father is going to a lawyer for advice, but I'd like to just get an idea on what to expect. I am having a lot of anxiety over this. Please respond.
2007-10-17 12:09:59 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Thank you for all your answers. I am going with my father to see our lawyer, but our appointment isn't until next week, and I'm too anxious, and rather afraid, to wait. It's hard to swallow the fact that my family could lose everything because of a mistake I made. The plaintiff also did not file suit until three weeks before the date that they could no longer sue, so part of me believes that it is only for the money. I was pulling out of a private driveway onto a highway, and I was T-boned. I was going less than 10mph, and according to the police report, I sustained the most costly (I would use the term worst) injuries. They are even suing for bruises from seat belts and "loss of love of life" or something like that. It sounds like bull to me, but what do I know...
2007-10-17 12:34:39 · update #1
They're pushing the insurance company for more money. If they refuse the insurance company's offer, then they will have to obtain an attorney, and sue you civilly. This means a lot more expense for both parties. For now, just let the insurance company handle it, and see what type of advice your father can get from the attorney.
2007-10-17 12:20:12 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would call State Farm claims and ask them what could happen - also ask them what law firm they have gotten to represent you. While you are able to get your own representation, I would at least meet with the lawyer SF has hired - if you and your dad are satisfied with them, why go to the extra expense?
Also, someone said that if they don't accept the insurance settlement, they can sue you civilly - I don't think that is quite how it works. If they don't accept the insurance settlement, it either goes to trial or arbitration. There it is decided who is at fault and and how much they are liable for. You carry insurance for exactly this reason. With any accident, there is always the possibility that you could lose some assets, but if the injuries are as minor as you say, and you have the coverage that you said, I would sleep pretty good at night. Just knowing you have a reputable insurance company fighting for you and that your agent helped you to select high coverages should relax you a little too. Just make sure you fight alongside SF, not against them.
2007-10-22 05:50:58 · answer #2 · answered by § ☼ JLG ☼ § 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless there were serious -- permanent -- injuries, the liability limits you describe are very likely going to cover the total damages -- and even if they are reasonably close, the insurance company will usually settle for policy limits or less before it goes to trial.
But -- be sure you speak to the attorney that the insurance company assigns you -- because even though they are paying for the attorney, you are still the client -- and the attorney needs to look out for your interests before the insurance company.
2007-10-17 12:20:00 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Quit worrying
2. Your insurance company will handle everything
3. If the people you hit have retained an attorney, he is looking at the 1 million dollar amount of liability. It will probably not even get to court or even get close to the limit of liability.
4. When your father sees an attorney, he will get the same answer.
2007-10-17 12:28:42 · answer #4 · answered by optitkl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i personally wouldn't hire my own attorney. Let your insurance company take care of this, they can afford high profile attorneys that are experienced with issues like this. It is also in the insurance company's best interests to hire good attorneys and fight this. If you hire your own attorney, that will average 1000 dollars per consultation for even a mediocre attorney, and the best that they will be able to do is read a report of the situation, make a few calls, and give you their opinions.
2007-10-17 12:26:02 · answer #5 · answered by Eleanor Roosevelt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For this type of “real” issue, you really need to rely on real legal advice, not Yahoo Answers. I would suspect that your insurance company has already retained an attorney. This is YOUR attorney. They will be paid by the insurance company, but they are hired to represent you in matters related to this case. That means for matters related to this case you work for you, but do not expect them to deal with anything else.
If you need to see your own attorney, then by all means see an independent attorney.
Leave this to the professionals.
The key thing is to follow the advice of your attorney.
And don’t lie.
You would be surprised at what your attorney can deal with, but what sinks a case almost every time is the lies.
Best of luck.
2007-10-17 12:20:21 · answer #6 · answered by inog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not enough information about the plaintiff's case to even take a guess. Go to the lawyer with your father and ask your questions.
2007-10-17 12:14:36 · answer #7 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont worry about it. Let the lawyer handle everything. Its very complex and based on the state that it happened it. Make sure you dad HIRES the lawyer to handle your case - you cant do this alone, otherwise you will get railroaded and your parents will lose everything they have.
2007-10-17 12:27:50 · answer #8 · answered by MrKnowItAll 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it, that is what you pay insurance for.
It is common for the insurance to lowball the first offer, to see if they take it. Ithink your 300K will more than cover it, that is 10 times more than the initial offer.
Plus, soft tissue damage is not permanent. You should be fine.
2007-10-17 12:12:55 · answer #9 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your insurance will pay. they will hire an attorney to represent you and the company if this goes into suit. you'll be getting a letter from the attorney.
2007-10-17 12:21:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋