Help Needed with Car Accident Lawsuit!
Hello everyone,
I’m an international student studying in Georgia and I’m in need of urgent assistance regarding a car accident that occurred a year ago.
Last year, I rear-ended a truck. We called the police, and their report stated that “No one was injured” and there was “minor damage.” Since then, the insurance company has contacted me to demand $50,000 to settle the claim. However, the medical bills total around $160,000. Just last Wednesday, I received a letter from the other party’s medical insurance company stating that I owe $50,000 and that I must respond within 10 business days, or they will sue me.
When I reached out to my insurance company, I was informed that they had already paid the claim limit, and the case is now closed. They suggested I find my own attorney if I need further assistance.
Some friends of mine advised me to push the insurance company to handle this case further. Today, I received another email stating that they have received my requests for a signed release and that they are awaiting it from the claimant. They attached a copy of the settlement check made out to the claimant and their attorney, noting that the check has already cleared and the claim is pending the signed release.
I’m feeling overwhelmed and confused by all the legal jargon, and I don’t know what steps to take next. Here are a few of my concerns:
- No one was injured in the accident, and the driver was able to continue driving afterward since we needed to move off the freeway.
- I have a dashcam recording and the police report—why do they have such high medical bills?
- Shouldn’t my insurance be responsible for this lawsuit?
I’m in a really tough situation and feel desperate. I don’t have the funds to cover these expenses, and my mother has already taken out numerous loans to support my studies here. If there are any lawyers in Georgia willing to help me, please reach out!
Thank you so much for any assistance you can provide. I truly appreciate it!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds really stressful. Here are some steps and considerations that might help clarify things for you:
Consult an Attorney: The most important step is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or car accident cases, especially since you’re facing a potential lawsuit. They can help you navigate the situation and explain the legal terminology more clearly.
Insurance Responsibility: Generally, your insurance should cover damages up to your policy limits. If they have already paid the maximum amount, it may not be your personal responsibility to cover the additional medical bills. A lawyer can help you understand this aspect better.
Medical Bills Discrepancy: The high medical bills might seem puzzling, especially if no one was seriously injured. However, sometimes claims arise from processes like physical therapy, psychological evaluations, or other treatments that aren’t immediately apparent. Your dashcam footage and the police report can be valuable evidence in disputing excessive claims.
Release and Final Payment: The emails you received indicate that the insurance has settled the claim within the limits of your policy, but they’re waiting for a signed release from the other party. This release typically means that once signed, the other party can no longer pursue further claims related to the accident.
Response Timeline: Since you received a letter from the other party’s attorney, it’s important to respond to them appropriately. A lawyer can help draft a response or negotiate on your behalf, hopefully preventing the situation from escalating to a lawsuit.
Documentation: Keep all documentation related to the accident, including emails, police reports, and any communication with your insurance company and the other party’s insurance. This will be crucial for your attorney to assess the situation effectively.
Reach out to Your University: Some universities offer legal assistance to international students or can direct you to affordable legal resources. It might be worth asking if there is any support available.
I know this is a lot to handle, but seeking legal help as soon as possible will be key to resolving this matter. You’re not alone, and there are people who can support you through this. Good luck!