Car Accident Lawsuit – I Need Help!
Hello everyone! I’m an international student in Georgia and I’m in a really tough situation. A year ago, I was involved in a rear-end collision with a truck. We called the police, and the report stated that “no one was injured” and there was “minor damage.”
Since then, I’ve received only one email from the insurance company saying they proposed a settlement of $50,000 and that they were reviewing the case. However, I learned that there are medical bills amounting to around $160,000. Just last Wednesday, I received a letter from the other party’s medical insurance company demanding $50,000 and stating that I need to respond within 10 business days, or they will take legal action against me.
When I called my insurance company for clarification, they told me that they had already paid the policy limit, the case was closed, and that I would need to hire my own lawyer if I want to proceed.
Some friends suggested that I should push for them to continue handling this case. Today, I got another email indicating they received my request for a signed release. They attached a copy of the release sent to the claimant and mentioned that the District Attorney is waiting for this signed release before completing the case. They also attached a copy of the settlement check made out to the claimant and their attorney, stating that this check has already cleared and the claim is still pending due to the unsigned release and final payment.
I’m really confused by all these complicated terms. Here are some things that are bothering me:
-
No one was injured in the accident, and the other driver was still able to drive afterward (we had to move our cars because we were on the freeway).
-
I have a dashcam video and a police report—why are there such high medical bills?
-
Shouldn’t the insurance take responsibility for handling this lawsuit for me?
I’m feeling overwhelmed and scared; I don’t have the money to pay, and my mom has taken out loans to help support my studies here. If there are any lawyers in Georgia who could offer assistance, please reach out to me! Thank you so much in advance.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds very stressful. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and some steps you can take:
Medical Bills and Injuries: Even if the police report stated “no injuries” and the other driver was able to drive, sometimes people may pursue medical treatment afterward. They might have claimed injuries that arose after the accident. These situations can be complicated, and without knowing more about their claims, it’s hard to say why they’re asserting such high medical expenses.
Dashcam Footage and Police Report: Your dashcam footage and the police report are valuable pieces of evidence. They may help demonstrate that the accident was not severe and can be crucial in disputing any false claims of injury. You should keep this evidence safe and share it with your lawyer if you get one.
Insurance Responsibility: Typically, the insurance company is supposed to cover claims up to your policy limits. However, if the other party’s medical bills exceed those limits, they may attempt to collect the difference from you directly. It’s crucial to clarify what your insurance is responsible for.
Steps You Can Take:
Consult a Lawyer: Given the seriousness of the situation, it would be beneficial to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can explain your options clearly and help you navigate this process. Some lawyers offer free consultations or work on a contingency basis.
Respond Promptly: Since you have a deadline to respond to the insurance company, make sure to act quickly. If you can get a lawyer, they can help draft a response to the demand letter.
Keep All Documentation: Organize any documents related to the incident, including the police report, insurance correspondence, and any medical records you receive. This information will be vital for your lawyer.
Do Not Ignore the Demand: Make sure you respond to the demand letter before the deadline, even if you’re seeking legal advice. Let them know that you are in the process of obtaining legal counsel.
Contact Your Insurance Again: Ask for clarification on what your policy covers and confirm that you have reached your policy limits, so you understand your position.
Emotional Support: This situation has clearly been overwhelming for you. It’s important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor if you need help managing your stress.
Remember, you’re not alone in facing this, and there are professionals out there who can guide you through the legal process. Take care of yourself!