Need Urgent Help with Car Accident Lawsuit!
Hi everyone! I’m an international student living in Georgia, and I’m in a tough spot. About a year ago, I was involved in a car accident where I rear-ended a truck. The police came to the scene and filed a report stating that “no one was injured” and noted “minor damage.”
Since then, I’ve only received an email from the insurance company asking for $50,000 to settle the claim, even though the medical bills from the other party amount to $160,000. Just last Wednesday, I received a letter from the other party’s medical insurance company demanding the $50,000. They’ve given me 10 business days to respond, or they will take legal action against me.
When I called my insurance company about this, they informed me that they’ve already paid the maximum limit on the claim, and the case is closed. They advised me to find my own lawyer if I need assistance.
Some friends have told me that I should push for them to address this case properly. Today, I received another email stating that they have received my requests for a signed release, and attached was a copy of the settlement check for my policy limit made out to the other party and their attorney. They also mentioned that the claim is pending, awaiting the signed release from the other party.
I’m feeling completely lost and overwhelmed by all this legal terminology. Here’s what’s confusing me:
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No one was injured, and the other driver was able to continue driving after the accident (we had to move the cars off the freeway).
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I have a dashcam recording and the police report—so why are there such high medical bills?
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Shouldn’t the insurance company take responsibility for this lawsuit since it happened while I was covered?
I’m really distressed and worried about this situation. I don’t have the funds to deal with this, and my mother has already taken out loans to support my education here. If there’s anyone in Georgia who is a lawyer or has legal expertise and can lend a hand, I would be incredibly grateful to hear from you! Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly stressful. Given your circumstances, here are some general steps and advice:
Consult a Lawyer: It’s crucial that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Many lawyers offer free consultations and can help clarify your situation. Since you’re dealing with a lawsuit, having a professional on your side is essential. They can help you understand the legal terms and navigate through the process.
Understanding the Insurance Response: The insurance company’s statement might mean they have reached their policy limit in terms of how much they can pay. This is often a maximum amount they will cover. If the medical bills exceed this amount, you may be personally liable for the remainder, especially if the other party decides to pursue legal action against you.
Medical Bills Confusion: Even if the initial police report indicated no injuries, sometimes injuries can manifest later, leading to significant medical bills. The other party may be claiming these expenses. Your dashcam footage and police report showing minor damage may not fully protect you from the other party’s claims.
Insurance Liability: Typically, car insurance covers damages and liability claims, but there are limits based on your policy. If those limits are exceeded due to high medical bills, you may be held responsible for the remaining amount.
Keep Documentation: Ensure you keep all correspondence with insurance companies and any legal documents organized. This will help your lawyer understand your case better.
Do Not Delay: Since you’ve been given a deadline to respond to the lawsuit, it’s critical that you act quickly. Missing deadlines can have serious consequences.
Support from Friends or Community: Since you’re an international student, consider reaching out to your school’s international student office. They might have resources or referrals to legal assistance that can help you.
Take care of yourself during this time, and try not to panic. With the right help, you can navigate this situation. Good luck!