I had a minor car accident more than a year ago. My car slipped on ice turned and as it came to a stop another car on the highway came to a stop and I barely even hit that car. There was a small scratch on the passenger side door and my car was fine. The cops were called, police report filed and soon my insurance agent called me to tell me that that lady was asking for damages for car and injury. According to her there were tons of things wrong with the car -leaks, dents, etc and neck, head, back, butt any injury you can think of. Insurance agent came took pictures and settled the claim paying her less than $400 for car damage none for "injury". Now I get this letter saying that I am summoned to court and I have 20 days to 'serve upon the plaintiff's attorney an answer to the complaint' and pay in excess of $50,000. Basically she is taking me to court and I have no idea what to do. I'm a student and I have no idea where that 50K is going to come from. I guess this is a country where people sue each other for every possible thing you can think of but now what am I to do? The letter is dated March 4 and I just got it, and I have to do something within 20 days. Any advice would be appreciated.

If the court letter refers to the same accident you had before, I think, you should inform about this letter to your car-insurance company as soon as possible. If the case was already settled down by the insurence agent and still you are getting all these troubles, you may sue her back later on. However, you should not try to tallk to or contact that lady directly or over the phone. I have heard that such an attempt could be taken to charge against you as if you attempted to harass her.

Guys, help him with good advices.

 

Thanks chana tarkari. I haven't called the lady's attorney yet, glad to know I shouldn't. I called my insurance claims person and found out that the damages were settled and the company tried to contact the lady's attorney for two months last summer to find out the details of the injury and never got a response and so the case was closed. The insurance person said that she will get a defense attorney for me that I don't have to pay for. I hope that this lady cannot get anything out of this!!

Things should be fine. You consult w/ attorney that everything is going ok. Sue the lady if she is trying to give trouble or get advantage of situation. And if you are covered w/ insurance you dont have to pay anything.

And I hate people w/ such mentality in this country for this reason.