Feeling Overwhelmed
A few weeks ago, I got into an at-fault accident in Florida. As a 21-year-old international student with no assets, I’m really feeling the pressure.
The crash occurred just minutes after I purchased my car for $1,500. I didn’t have bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage since it’s not legally required in Florida, but I’ve recently learned that the other party has hired an attorney, potentially to file a lawsuit. At the scene, they claimed they were fine and we waited around 40 minutes for the officer without any problems, so I was taken aback to find out they later went to the hospital.
Update:
I reviewed the police report, and it confirms I was found at fault, but I wasn’t issued a ticket. The estimated damages for the other party are listed as $500, and the report states that no one was injured. Hopefully, this will weaken their case for a lawsuit. Regardless, I plan to get injury liability coverage as everyone here has advised.
It sounds like you’re in a stressful situation, but there are a few things to consider that might help alleviate some of your concerns.
Firstly, since the damages for the other party were estimated at $500 and there were no injuries reported in the police report, this could indeed weaken their case. It’s a positive sign that there were no immediate complaints of injury at the scene, and the absence of a ticket from the officer suggests that they didn’t find your driving reckless enough to warrant more than a report.
As for the possibility of a lawsuit, it’s important to remember that people often pursue legal action for various reasons, but that doesn’t guarantee they will succeed, especially if the damages are minimal and no injuries were reported.
That said, getting bodily injury liability coverage as soon as possible is a good move. It’s an important step not just for legal compliance but also for your peace of mind going forward. It will help protect you in case of any future incidents.
You might also want to consult with a legal professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation, especially since you’re an international student and may have different concerns regarding liability and financial responsibility. They can provide valuable advice on how to navigate any potential legal issues you might face and help you understand any next steps.
Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. You’re not as screwed as it might initially seem, especially since you’re already taking proactive measures.