Minnesota
I was involved in an accident Nov of 2011. I had just purchased my vehicle 2 weeks prior to this, and against better judgement did not have car insurance on it. It was blizzard conditions on a 4 lane highway (couldn't see lines). I was in the far right lane, going 30 (along with every other vehicle) and my car started to slide towards the right (shoulder). I was hit on my back drivers side bumper and spun multiple times all the way across the freeway and stopped in the far left lane. The lady who hit me, was hit by another driver behind her (no insurance).
Both of their cars were towed, mine had very minor damage. The State Trooper ticketed me for no insurance, and allowed me to drive away stating he doesn't get involved in accidents, and just gives all of us each other's information.
The woman's insurance company started calling, and I was told to ignore them until I went to court for my ticket. I went to court the following March, and was told I had two options. Pay the woman who hit me, $565 for her co-pay to her insurance company and the no insurance ticket would be lessened to "driver's license violation" or go before the judge for my no insurance ticket, be fined up to $1,000, have it on my record, and still possibly have to pay her $565. I of course, agreed to pay her the $565. My court paper states if I complete the "probation period" of 6 months with no tickets, and pay her, the case is dismissed. Which it was.
After months of ignoring her insurance company I called them to discuss the situation. The lady immediately kept telling me I was at fault for "driving erratically" and having no insurance. I told her i disagreed, and didn't plan on paying them a dime. She threatened to send it to a lawyer, and that was that.
Couple months later, I started getting the same statement from a law firm, stating I had to get in touch with them within 10 days or they would proceed to sue. Everyone kept telling me to just leave it alone, and it would go away. I probably should of seeked out legal advice months ago. After receiving multiple letters, I was served papers last night.
The insurance company is suing me for $7,100 in damages. I'm not sure what kind of lawyer I need to speak with. I realize how dumb of a mistake I made not getting insurance right away, but do not feel I am reliable for the damages to her vehicle. Can they still use the "no insurance" card against me in court, even though I was never charged with it? And what kind of lawyer do I need to seek out to represent me with this? Thanks in advance.
I was involved in an accident Nov of 2011. I had just purchased my vehicle 2 weeks prior to this, and against better judgement did not have car insurance on it. It was blizzard conditions on a 4 lane highway (couldn't see lines). I was in the far right lane, going 30 (along with every other vehicle) and my car started to slide towards the right (shoulder). I was hit on my back drivers side bumper and spun multiple times all the way across the freeway and stopped in the far left lane. The lady who hit me, was hit by another driver behind her (no insurance).
Both of their cars were towed, mine had very minor damage. The State Trooper ticketed me for no insurance, and allowed me to drive away stating he doesn't get involved in accidents, and just gives all of us each other's information.
The woman's insurance company started calling, and I was told to ignore them until I went to court for my ticket. I went to court the following March, and was told I had two options. Pay the woman who hit me, $565 for her co-pay to her insurance company and the no insurance ticket would be lessened to "driver's license violation" or go before the judge for my no insurance ticket, be fined up to $1,000, have it on my record, and still possibly have to pay her $565. I of course, agreed to pay her the $565. My court paper states if I complete the "probation period" of 6 months with no tickets, and pay her, the case is dismissed. Which it was.
After months of ignoring her insurance company I called them to discuss the situation. The lady immediately kept telling me I was at fault for "driving erratically" and having no insurance. I told her i disagreed, and didn't plan on paying them a dime. She threatened to send it to a lawyer, and that was that.
Couple months later, I started getting the same statement from a law firm, stating I had to get in touch with them within 10 days or they would proceed to sue. Everyone kept telling me to just leave it alone, and it would go away. I probably should of seeked out legal advice months ago. After receiving multiple letters, I was served papers last night.
The insurance company is suing me for $7,100 in damages. I'm not sure what kind of lawyer I need to speak with. I realize how dumb of a mistake I made not getting insurance right away, but do not feel I am reliable for the damages to her vehicle. Can they still use the "no insurance" card against me in court, even though I was never charged with it? And what kind of lawyer do I need to seek out to represent me with this? Thanks in advance.