I received a call from a debt collection agency, Sequoia Financial Services, regarding an accident I was involved in last month where another driver merged into my lane, causing damage to my vehicle. After the incident, I obtained her insurance information and filed a claim with my insurer, State Farm, which determined that I was not at fault. Initially, the other driver offered to pay for the damages out of pocket, likely due to concerns about filing another claim with her insurance, which appeared to be low quality. I ultimately decided to go through my own insurance for the repair process.
Now, over a month later, a representative from the debt collection agency is asking me for additional information about the other driver, including her insurance details. I’m uncertain about how to proceed. It seems they might be pursuing her for some debt, but I’m not sure if it’s related to the accident or something else entirely. My insurance was supposed to investigate subrogation with her insurer, so I’m confused about why there would be debt so soon after the accident.
I’m hesitant to get involved as a third party in what feels like a dispute between the agency and the other driver. Could this be related to the subrogation process?
I plan to contact State Farm to clarify the situation, but I’m looking for any insight into what might be happening. Thanks!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a confusing situation. Here are a few steps you can consider taking:
Do Not Share Information: Unless you’re legally obligated to provide information, you are not required to respond to the debt collector. It’s wise to avoid sharing any personal or insurance information with them.
Confirm the Nature of the Call: Since you’ve already filed a claim with State Farm and they were going to attempt to subrogate, it’s possible that the debt collector is referring to the other driver’s insurance coverage or obligations. Calling State Farm, as you mentioned, is a great step to clarify the situation.
Documentation: Keep a record of any communication you have with the debt collector, as well as any correspondence with your insurance company. This could be helpful later on if any disputes arise.
Ask Questions: When you contact State Farm, inquire if this is a standard part of the subrogation process, and if they are aware of any potential debts arising from your accident that may involve you indirectly.
Do Your Research: Look into Sequoia Financial Services to understand their role and any legitimacy behind their claims. It’s not uncommon for companies to buy debt from others, but it’s essential to understand the context.
Legal Advice: If you feel uncertain about the contact from the debt collector or the implications for you, consulting an attorney who specializes in accidents or consumer debt may provide you with more tailored guidance.
It’s good that you’re taking proactive steps and seeking clarity on this matter. You’re in the right frame of mind to investigate before taking any action. Good luck!