financial responsibility drivers license suspension

[backhaus]

What is the name of your state? South Dakota

Several years ago, my husband was involved in a minor auto accident. He ran a stop sign and hit another vehicle. At the time he had no insurance and was not licenesed. He received tickets - which were paid. And the state of South Dakota suspended his license for the incident. Several other unrelated factors prevented him from being eligible for his license until now. The insurance company of the other driver has placed a financial responsibilty block on his drivers license. They are saying he owes over $8000 before they will remove the block. Has anyone else ever heard of this? Is there any thing we can do about this now? Any assitance would be very much appreciated.

Thank you

[Zigner]

Your husband can pay what he owes (you didn't state that the amount owed was disputed)

[ecmst12]

This is very common. Once he pays what he owes, or possibly as soon as he makes a payment agreement, his license will be restored. It is about the only way to put pressure on an uninsured driver to pay for damage he caused.

[backhaus]

i never actually saw the bill from the insurance company or any kind of quotes for repair to the other vehicle. my husband feels the amount is excessive, but cannot remember what the amount at the time was. i was not involved in the incident. we have only been married about a year and i am trying to help him get this straightened out. i don't know how to go about getting the information from the company, as they won't release any info directly to me, and i understand the reasoning for this. my husband has stated that when he asked all they would be able to send is a statement showing total amount due. i just want to make sure it gets taken care of honestly and quickly, but i don't want to pay an unneccessary amount. there is no way we could pay the $8000 in one lump sum, and to make affordable payments would take years to pay off. i really just want to help my husband continue to make the right choices and get things cleared up.

thank you for your advice

[ecmst12]

You have to check with the DMV - they may lift the suspension as long as he is making payments on a plan agreed to by both parties. And he can go back to the insurance company that handled the claim at the time for more information, but honestly he WAS sent everything at the time. If he misplaced it, that's on him. It's a little late to dicker about prices now - the time to do that was right after he received the bill. At this point, he's most likely just going to have to pay it.

[backhaus]

thank you. i appreciate the advice very much. i will take this info to my husband and we will take care of it. after all, he was at fault and needs to take responsibilty for his actions. thanks again and have a wonderful day!