PLEASE HELP. I'm in BIG trouble!

[exentric]

One and a half month ago (09/17/2004), I got hit by a car when I was about to make a left turn. Problem is, at that time I was still in the process of obtaining my driver licese, hence... I couldn't apply for insurance since I didn't have a driver license.


And then the accident happened. Well, the cop told me that it was my fault because I failed to yield, even though I'm the one who got hit.


He said I was supposed to let that car passed first then I can make a turn.


So I didn't have a license and insurance. Big time, I got 4 tickets for around $1000. My car is a total junk / total loss.


Now here's the problem, the other party never contacted me at all for about one and a half month until yesterday. The accident was on 09/17/2004.


They want me to pay them $7000. All I got is $2500 in my bank account. And that's it. I'm a college student working part time for only 14 hours/week.


I'm scared and I'm confused. I didn't want to go to jail for this. But I really don't have that much money to pay them. Besides, I already got $1000 tickets, and my car is a total junk. I'm so stressed out yesterday when I received the letter from his insurance company. I couldn't sleep at all for whole night.


I need advise or suggestion from fellow drivers in this forum. Thank you so much in advance.

[bjdm151]

Oh the lessons we learn the hardest.

[drdisque]

you'll have to get a loan to pay him off, either that or they'll garnish your wages until they've collected the correct amount.

and yes, it was your fault, whenever you're making a left turn you have to wait for someone to go ahead of you, thats why you're supposed to wait until you get a liscence before you drive, so you know those sort of things.

[quaddriver]

Originally Posted by exentric

One and a half month ago (09/17/2004), I got hit by a car when I was about to make a left turn. Problem is, at that time I was still in the process of obtaining my driver licese, hence... I couldn't apply for insurance since I didn't have a driver license.


And then the accident happened. Well, the cop told me that it was my fault because I failed to yield, even though I'm the one who got hit.


He said I was supposed to let that car passed first then I can make a turn.


So I didn't have a license and insurance. Big time, I got 4 tickets for around $1000. My car is a total junk / total loss.


Now here's the problem, the other party never contacted me at all for about one and a half month until yesterday. The accident was on 09/17/2004.


They want me to pay them $7000. All I got is $2500 in my bank account. And that's it. I'm a college student working part time for only 14 hours/week.


I'm scared and I'm confused. I didn't want to go to jail for this. But I really don't have that much money to pay them. Besides, I already got $1000 tickets, and my car is a total junk. I'm so stressed out yesterday when I received the letter from his insurance company. I couldn't sleep at all for whole night.


I need advise or suggestion from fellow drivers in this forum. Thank you so much in advance.

Well its not that bleak. Yes you are at fault, license and insurance or not.

However, the other driver (depending on state) should have something for 3rd party uninsured/underinsured motorists, usually the same limits (or more) of the state minimums.

If you live in a no fault state then they HAVE to pay, its up to the car owner to do any suing.

the fines, delayed license, wrecked car- thats on you. But sometimes insurance is a good thing

[thecackster]

most ins. has a uninsured motorist coverage. at least in nevada.

[drdisque]

the uninsured motorist coverage is to protect the policy holder, not the uninsured motorist. What it does is pay to fix the policyholder's car while they in turn seek money from the uninsured motorist, thus, if you don't pay, you will be sued by the other driver's insurance company.

[quaddriver]

Not in a no fault state (which I dont know if you are in or not). Check with a local atty, do NOT trust an insurance person to give you the correct scoop.

[psychorallyfreak]

After $1000 in tickets, and then THIS, the state you're living in would have to be completely fucked-in-the-head to give you a license.

[MagicRat]

One more thing, depending on your age, you may be too young to be held responsible for the damages. It's related to contract law.
Alternatively, if you have no assets and no income, the insurance company may not feel its worthwhile to sue you. Wait until you get sued before worrying about it too much.

[public]

Ditto, and you cannot got to jail for not being able to pay a civil settlement. And the $1000 in tickets wont get you much time in the can. Anyhow, hard time builds strong character.
And I cannot stress this enough:
DO NOT DROP THE SOAP!!