What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
Hello Everyone,
I need some input, advice, experience, anything will help!!!
Situation:
I was in a DUI auto accident last year september 2008. I was arrested and spent a night in jail. (VERY VERY STUPID OF ME, NEVER DO IT AGAIN). I already went through my criminal trial and got put on informal probation for three years, DUI schooling and fines. Last month the person I crashed into filed a lawsuit against me on Oct 2009 for $100,000 in both general and punitive damages.
Background on the accident:
I was making a illegal u-turn and a car crashed into me. I was ready to make a u turn so my car was slow. There was no ambulance called, airbag didn't deploy.
My problem:
My Mercury insurance policy covers up to $30,000 for bodily damage and the insurance estimator evaulated the case w/ full payment to plaintiff at $17000(lawsuit for $100000), they told me they are not responsible for punitive damage. I only had liability coverage only, so my policy limit is very minimal. My insurance company got a lawyer for me to defend me, but since they are not responsible for any punitive damage, I was wondering if the lawyer will even represent for me with full faith or leaning towards the insurnace company (conflict of interest). ?? Should I get my own lawyers? What can i do to protect myself from excessive penalty? I'm 25, full time student, very broke right now, almost graduate though. I'm in debt already with no asset, so what can i do now?? I have alot of uncertianties ahead me, any inputs will help. (eg, court process, amount of fine im facing, protecting myself....well anything will help)
Thank You!
Grant
Hello Everyone,
I need some input, advice, experience, anything will help!!!
Situation:
I was in a DUI auto accident last year september 2008. I was arrested and spent a night in jail. (VERY VERY STUPID OF ME, NEVER DO IT AGAIN). I already went through my criminal trial and got put on informal probation for three years, DUI schooling and fines. Last month the person I crashed into filed a lawsuit against me on Oct 2009 for $100,000 in both general and punitive damages.
Background on the accident:
I was making a illegal u-turn and a car crashed into me. I was ready to make a u turn so my car was slow. There was no ambulance called, airbag didn't deploy.
My problem:
My Mercury insurance policy covers up to $30,000 for bodily damage and the insurance estimator evaulated the case w/ full payment to plaintiff at $17000(lawsuit for $100000), they told me they are not responsible for punitive damage. I only had liability coverage only, so my policy limit is very minimal. My insurance company got a lawyer for me to defend me, but since they are not responsible for any punitive damage, I was wondering if the lawyer will even represent for me with full faith or leaning towards the insurnace company (conflict of interest). ?? Should I get my own lawyers? What can i do to protect myself from excessive penalty? I'm 25, full time student, very broke right now, almost graduate though. I'm in debt already with no asset, so what can i do now?? I have alot of uncertianties ahead me, any inputs will help. (eg, court process, amount of fine im facing, protecting myself....well anything will help)
Thank You!
Grant