My sister was in a car accident where she rear-ended an uninsured motorist. Unfortunately, that motorist was also involved in a multi-car crash, with my sister being the last vehicle in a series of cars that came to a sudden stop on a busy Houston freeway. While the insurance settled with the vehicle in front of her, the uninsured driver is now suing my sister for additional damages outside of the insurance claim. What legal advice would be helpful for her in this situation?
sister was involved in multiple car accident. the person she hit was uninsured
I’m not a lawyer, but it sounds like your sister is in a difficult situation. Here are a few general steps you might suggest:
Consult an Attorney: Encourage her to seek the advice of a qualified attorney who specializes in car accidents and insurance claims. They can provide specific guidance based on her situation and local laws.
Gather Evidence: She should collect all relevant documentation, including police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, and any correspondence with insurance companies. This information will be important for her defense.
Communicate with Insurance: If she hasn’t already, she should inform her insurance company about the lawsuit. Her insurer may provide legal assistance or coverage under her policy, depending on the circumstances.
Review the Settlement: Make sure to review the details of the settlement from the other vehicle involved in the accident. Understanding how liability was determined can be crucial.
Stay Calm: Remind her to stay calm and avoid direct communications with the uninsured motorist without legal representation. Any statements made could be used against her.
Consider Counterclaims: Depending on the details of the case, her attorney might suggest filing a counterclaim if she believes the other party is at fault for the situation that led to the multi-car accident.
Encourage her to act quickly, as there may be deadlines for responses or filing certain documents. Professional legal advice is essential in situations like this.