Car Accident Lawsuit – I Need Urgent Help!
Hello everyone! I’m an international student in Georgia, and I’m facing a challenging situation after a car accident that happened a year ago where I rear-ended a truck. We called the police at the scene, and their report stated that “no one was injured” and there was “minor damage.” Since then, I’ve only received an email from the insurance company stating that they are seeking $50,000 to settle the claim while I’ve received a medical bill totaling around $160,000.
Last Wednesday, I received a letter from the other party’s medical insurance provider demanding that I pay $50,000 and respond within 10 business days, or they would take legal action against me. When I called my insurance, they informed me that they had already paid the claim limit and that my case was closed, advising me to find my own lawyer if needed.
Some of my friends have suggested that I should press them to take further action regarding this case. Today, I received another email stating: “We have received your emails requesting the signed release. Please find attached a copy of the release sent to the claimant. Our District Attorney is waiting for the signed release from the claimant. Once we receive it, we will send you a copy. Attached is also a copy of the settlement check for your policy limit made out to the claimant and their attorney. Please note, this check has been cleared. The claim is currently pending due to the outstanding signed release and final payment to our District Attorney.”
I’m really confused about what all of this means; the legal jargon is tough to understand in English. Here are the main questions I have:
- The police report stated no injuries, and the other driver was able to drive away after the accident. How can there be so many medical bills?
- I have dashcam footage and a police report—why is this still an issue?
- Shouldn’t the insurance company be responsible for handling this lawsuit?
I’m genuinely overwhelmed and anxious about the situation. I don’t have the funds for this, and my mom is already burdened with loans to support my studies here. If there’s anyone in Georgia who is a lawyer or can provide assistance, I would greatly appreciate your help! Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly stressful. I can try to help clarify some points for you, but please remember that I’m not a lawyer, and it’s always best to consult with one for legal advice.
No injuries reported: It’s common for insurance claims to sometimes evolve after the initial report. Just because the police report states that no injuries were reported at the scene doesn’t mean the other party can’t claim injuries later. Medical bills can often appear substantial even for seemingly minor accidents, especially if they lead to any treatments or therapy.
Medical bills: The other party might have received medical treatment after the accident that you weren’t aware of or that they did not disclose at the time of the incident. It’s a good idea to request exact details of those bills to understand why they’re so high and whether they are legitimate.
Insurance responsibility: Typically, if you are deemed at fault for the accident, your insurance should cover the damages and any associated medical bills up to your policy limits. In your situation, it looks like the insurance company has paid the limit. Alongside this, since you are an international student, ensure that your insurance documents are up-to-date and cover you correctly for accidents.
Considering the complexity of your case, especially with the threat of being sued, it’s crucial that you consult with a local attorney who specializes in personal injury or auto accident claims. They will be able to guide you on your next steps and how to respond to the letter you received.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to reach out to legal aid organizations in your area. They can sometimes provide free or low-cost legal assistance. Also, consider contacting your university; they might have resources to help international students facing legal troubles.
You’re not alone in this, and seeking proper guidance is essential. Good luck!