Need Help with a Car Accident Lawsuit!
Hello! I’m an international student in Georgia, and I’m in a tough situation after a car accident that happened a year ago. I rear-ended a truck and called the police, who documented the incident as “No injuries” and “Minor damage.” Recently, I’ve only received an email from the other party’s insurance claiming they want $50,000 to settle, but their medical bills amount to around $160,000.
Last Wednesday, I received a letter from the opposing party’s medical insurance stating that I owe $50,000 and that I have 10 business days to respond, or they will initiate a lawsuit against me. When I contacted my insurance, they informed me that they reached their payout limit on my case, and it’s now closed, advising me to seek my own legal representation.
Some friends suggested that I should push to get clarity on this case. Today, I received another email stating they’re awaiting a signed release from the claimant to finalize the claim, and they provided a copy of the settlement check issued to the claimant and their attorney. They also mentioned that the claim remains pending until the signed release is received.
I’m feeling really confused about this whole situation, especially since:
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There were no injuries, and the other driver was able to drive after the accident (we were on the freeway and had to move the cars).
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I have a dashcam recording and the police report—how do they have such high medical bills?
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Shouldn’t the insurance be responsible for this lawsuit?
I’m feeling overwhelmed and scared because I don’t have the money to pay this, and my mom already has a lot of loans to support my studies here. If there’s a lawyer in Georgia who can help or offer some guidance, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a stressful situation. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and some steps you could consider taking:
Understanding the Situation:
Insurance Responsibility: Generally, when you have an accident, your insurance covers damages up to the policy limits. If the other party is seeking compensation beyond that, it becomes a legal matter. It sounds like your insurance has already settled up to the policy limit, which is good, but it might not cover the full medical expenses they are claiming.
Medical Bills: The fact that the other driver didn’t appear injured at the scene doesn’t necessarily mean they didn’t incur medical expenses later. Sometimes, individuals may seek medical treatment after an accident, which could lead to high bills. You may want to request detailed documentation of those medical bills to understand how they were incurred.
Legal Notification: The letter you received indicates that the other party’s insurance is seeking payment from you and that they might pursue legal action if you don’t respond. This is serious, and it’s important to address it promptly.
Steps to Consider:
Consult a Lawyer: It’s crucial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or auto accidents in Georgia. They can provide specific advice based on your situation. Since you’re a student with limited resources, look for legal aid services or clinics at local universities that may offer free consultations.
Document Everything: Keep all correspondence from the insurance companies, the police report, and anything related to the accident. This can assist your lawyer in understanding the context and facts of your case.
Communicate Openly with Insurance: Maintain open communication with your insurance provider. Ask them how they can assist you in this situation given that you are being pursued for more than the policy limits.
Understand Release and Settlements: The documents they mentioned (release) typically mean that they are asking the other party to agree not to seek any further claims regarding the incident after signing. Make sure you understand what you’re signing.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or student support services at your school. They may have resources or advice to help you through this difficult time.
Final Thoughts:
You’re not alone in this, and it’s important to act quickly to ensure your rights and responsibilities are clear. Consult an attorney as soon as you can to navigate this properly. Take care!