What to do if my fiancé was involved in a car accident in my uninsured vehicle?
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What to do if my fiancé was involved in a car accident in my uninsured vehicle?
Apparently the lady pulled out in front of him totaling her car but giving my car light bumper damage.she was driving a 10 year old car (I think), so he was charged with hit and run with injury because he thought his license was suspended. He did not have car insurance and neither did I. The lady said she suffered from a slight concussion. I then received a letter in my name from her lawyer with the insurance claim department for a claim of $9300. I feel the claim is high and my fiancé is taking full responsibility for this.
Asked on July 18, 2014 under Personal Injury, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Either you or your fiance could be liable IF your fiance was at fault in causing the accident (that is, he was, at least in part, negligent or careless, such as by not looking where he was going). If he was at fault, then he, as the at fault driver, and you, as the person who allowed him to drive, could both be financially responsible for her injuries (e.g. medical costs) and damage to her car.
Of course, she can only collect up the actual cost of her damage, cost of her medical bills, amount of lost wages (if any), and *possibly* "pain and suffering" for more serious injuries. If you feel the claim is too high, you ask to see some back-up for it (e.g. repair estimates; medical bills). If you believe your fiance was at fault and the amount she is asking for is reasonable, you may wish to pay it, or at least try to work out some payment plan or arrangement. If you feel she's asking for too much and/or that it's not clear that your fiance was at fault, you could try to negotiate to a lesser payment or else refuse to pay and defend yourselves in court if sued--though defending a lawsuit has its own costs, and there's always the chance you'd end up losing (and paying) anyway.
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You need an attorney. If the accident was her fault, you need an expert to write a report to show the damage was her fault. Then that needs to be submitted to her attorney and that should take care of it. Once this is clear, you need to obtain car insurance and not let anyone else drive your vehicle.
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