Driving another vehicle no auto insurance

KNICK54 · #1 08-19-2009, 09:24 AM

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? I live in Tennessee. I was driving a car that was loaned to me by a relative, I was unaware that they had a lapse in coverage on their automobile insurance. I currently do not have a vehicle so I do not have insurance coverage. I was involved in an accident when the driver stopped suddenly on a green light and I could not avoid hitting the car. Witnesses said the driver clearly caused the accident by the sudden stop. What penalties am I subjected to as a result? Does the driver have any fault for a sudden stop at a green light? The other car suffered very minor cosmetic damage. If the insurance sues me for damages to the vehicle will I have to go to court or will I be able to make payment to the company?

ecmst12 · #2 08-19-2009, 09:37 AM

You could have avoided hitting the other car had you not been following it too closely. You are 100% at fault. Both you and the owner of the car are liable for the cost to repair the other vehicle and for any injuries the other driver may have incurred. For the smartasses, the owner is negligent for allowing someone to drive his vehicle even though it was uninsured.

If the other person goes through their insurance for the repair, the insurance will MOST LIKELY attempt to contact you to work out payment arrangements before taking you to court - but they CAN go straight to court if they like, and sometimes they will do that just to ensure your cooperation in the future. If you are summoned to court, you should ALWAYS appear even if you know you will lose. If you do not pay, your license can be suspended until the debt is satisfied.

KNICK54 · #3 08-19-2009, 12:23 PM

The damage was very minimal a few scratches no visible external damage. I am not interested in any compensation, I am more concerned with a lawsuit although if it is for the damages to the vehicle only then I will have to pay and move on. I do not want to be subjected to any suspension of license or anything of that nature. I was traveling at or about the speed limit (40 mph) but would not have anticipated anyone stopping in the middle of the intersection on a green light, I understand your point of the maintaining safe distance but I do not feel that his sudden complete stop from 40-45 to zero in the middle of the intersection gave me any inclination it was coming. Thanks for the advice.

ecmst12 · #4 08-19-2009, 12:59 PM

There is no such thing as negligent stopping, only negligent following.