Unexpected Lawsuit After Minor Accident
About a year and a half ago, I was in a minor car accident where I rear-ended someone at a red light. I didn’t brake in time, and thankfully, the damages were mostly cosmetic. The other driver seemed okay, even expressing frustration but no signs of injury, and we exchanged information before parting ways. I filed a claim with my insurance, paid my deductible, and thought everything was settled.
Fast forward to last week—I received a knock on my door and was served with a lawsuit for $1 million, claiming loss of wages, damages, and both past and future medical expenses. I immediately contacted my insurance company, and they started working on a settlement since I have bodily injury coverage up to $100K. However, I just found out that the insurance company couldn’t reach an agreement, so they’ve now assigned me a lawyer.
As if that wasn’t enough, I’m currently seven months pregnant, and this situation has been incredibly stressful. Since neither of us called the police at the time, there’s no official report on the accident. I’m anxious about what comes next, especially the possibility of going to trial. I dread the idea of having to testify, as I struggle with public speaking and often get nervous.
$1 million feels like an outrageous amount. My partner even checked the other driver’s social media and saw they’ve been working without issue since the accident, which makes their claim of lost wages seem questionable. At the time of the incident, the driver appeared fine and never stated they were injured.
Right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed and hormonal, trying to prepare for the baby while dealing with this legal stress. If anyone has advice on how to navigate this situation, I would really appreciate your help.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through this, especially while you’re pregnant. It’s completely understandable to feel stressed and overwhelmed with such a large lawsuit looming over you.
First and foremost, it’s good that you’ve already handed this over to your insurance company. They are typically equipped to handle these sorts of situations and should guide you through the next steps. Since they’ve appointed a lawyer to represent you, that’s a positive sign; you’ll have someone with expertise in your corner.
Here are a few things to consider moving forward:
Stay in Communication with Your Lawyer: Once the insurance company assigns a lawyer, make sure to communicate openly with them. Ask any questions you have, especially about the possibility of going to trial and what your role might be in that process. They should be able to reassure you about what to expect.
Gather Documentation: It could be helpful to keep any documentation related to the accident, like your insurance claim, any correspondence with the other party, or medical records (if applicable). This can help your attorney build a case.
Don’t Neglect Your Health: It’s essential to take care of yourself and your baby during this stressful time. Try to find ways to manage the stress; whether it’s yoga, meditation, or talking to someone about how you’re feeling, your mental health is important too.
Consider Mediation: Sometimes, cases like this can be settled outside of court through mediation, which is less stressful and could help both parties reach an agreement without going through a trial.
Stay Informed but Don’t Obsess: While it’s important to stay updated on the situation, try to focus on your pregnancy and preparing for your baby. Take breaks from thinking about the lawsuit when you can.
Monitor the Other Party’s Activities: While it may not be related to your case directly, if the other party is indeed working fine post-accident, that could potentially work in your favor, especially regarding their claim for lost wages.
Seek Support: Talk to your partner and lean on them during this time. If you feel overwhelmed, consider talking to someone who can help you process your feelings, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Take it step by step and focus on what you can control. Wishing you all the best with everything—especially the upcoming arrival of your baby!