I recently discovered that someone had an accident in my car, and now I’m facing some serious consequences. I live in Illinois and put the car in my name for my child’s father, who ended up getting into an accident that was determined to be his fault. I had originally set up insurance in my name, and he agreed to handle the payments, but I found out that he stopped paying last year without my knowledge. I completely own up to my part in this situation and recognize how careless it was, so I’d appreciate no lectures.
Today, I opened some mail and learned that my license is at risk of being suspended due to an almost $6,000 debt for damages from a subrogation company linked to State Farm. Since I was the legal owner of the car, I’m assuming that I’m responsible for this debt. Is there a way to lift the suspension on my license? If he’s willing, can I transfer some of the financial responsibility to him since he was the driver? I genuinely can’t afford to pay this amount, and I’m worried about monthly payment options—what do those usually look like? I already have my own car with full coverage; will I now need to get an SR22? I’m feeling overwhelmed and regretful about the whole situation.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation—it sounds incredibly stressful. Given that you’re in Illinois and you were the legal owner of the car, yes, you may be financially responsible for the accident and the damages incurred. Unfortunately, since the car was registered in your name, the insurance and the subsequent financial claim typically falls on you.
To address your concerns:
Getting Your License Unsuspended: You will likely need to pay the amount owed or set up a payment plan with the subrogation company or State Farm to get your license reinstated. Contact them directly and explain your financial situation; they might offer options based on your circumstances.
Shifting Financial Responsibility: If your child’s father is willing to accept responsibility, you could have him agree in writing to cover the costs. However, he would typically need to handle this with the insurance company or creditor directly.
Payment Plans: Payment plans vary, so inquire with the subrogation company about what might be available. It can be worth asking if they can tailor a plan based on your income. Amounts can differ greatly, but it’s essential to establish some form of payment rather than ignoring the situation.
SR-22 Requirement: As for the SR-22, it’s likely you will have to file one since your license is being suspended due to issues relating to insurance. This requirement is often used to prove you have insurance coverage, especially after a lapse or if you’ve been involved in an accident.
I highly recommend speaking with a legal professional who can provide you with specific advice tailored to your circumstances, as they can better guide you through the process of both resolving your debt and reinstating your license. Take care, and remember that you can get through this—it’s about finding a way forward.