litchfield
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? NJ
Way back in November 2003, I was a victim in a 4 car accident. Cars #1, #2 (me) and #3 were stopped in traffic on a highway, when car #4 was unable to stop in time and hit #3, who hit me (#2), and I, in turn, hit #1. Cars #3 and #4 were severely damaged and ultimately totaled, and my car sustained thousands of dollars of damage. Car #1 had very minimal bumper damage. Myself and the driver in #1 both complained of pain on scene, but refused treatment. I was forced to go to the emergency room the next day and had to pay some out of pocket expenses, as NJ is a no-fault medical state.
The police report puts all the blame on #4, for following too closely, though no summons was issued. The insurance companies agreed, and #4’s insurance paid all the bills without complaint.
Today, I received a notice of Civil Suit action from the driver of car #1. She claims to have sustained extensive injuries (not likely) and emotional distress (please). This is such a litigious society—it disgusts me. While I am sure that I could have taken action against #4, his insurance was cooperative and things were done to my satisfaction, so I didn’t feel the need. However, now I find myself being named (along with the other two drivers) in the lawsuit by #1.
I am terrified! I contacted my insurance, but don’t know what to do. Does she have a case and should I be really worried? Should I rely on my insurance or get a lawyer of my own? Regardless of the outcome, should I worry about a chain of lawsuits now from every driver in this accident? I hate the idea of frivolous lawsuits, but am I crazy not to file one of my own? Can I sue her for the emotional distress caused by bs lawsuits?
Way back in November 2003, I was a victim in a 4 car accident. Cars #1, #2 (me) and #3 were stopped in traffic on a highway, when car #4 was unable to stop in time and hit #3, who hit me (#2), and I, in turn, hit #1. Cars #3 and #4 were severely damaged and ultimately totaled, and my car sustained thousands of dollars of damage. Car #1 had very minimal bumper damage. Myself and the driver in #1 both complained of pain on scene, but refused treatment. I was forced to go to the emergency room the next day and had to pay some out of pocket expenses, as NJ is a no-fault medical state.
The police report puts all the blame on #4, for following too closely, though no summons was issued. The insurance companies agreed, and #4’s insurance paid all the bills without complaint.
Today, I received a notice of Civil Suit action from the driver of car #1. She claims to have sustained extensive injuries (not likely) and emotional distress (please). This is such a litigious society—it disgusts me. While I am sure that I could have taken action against #4, his insurance was cooperative and things were done to my satisfaction, so I didn’t feel the need. However, now I find myself being named (along with the other two drivers) in the lawsuit by #1.
I am terrified! I contacted my insurance, but don’t know what to do. Does she have a case and should I be really worried? Should I rely on my insurance or get a lawyer of my own? Regardless of the outcome, should I worry about a chain of lawsuits now from every driver in this accident? I hate the idea of frivolous lawsuits, but am I crazy not to file one of my own? Can I sue her for the emotional distress caused by bs lawsuits?