Help me. Other party's sent me a letter.

[pierce007_2k]

Accident place: California.
Police report claimed that it was my fault(unsafe lane change) and hence my insurance specialist has been handling the case for the other party and myself for few monthes. The injuries were mainly myself (I was transferred to a local emergency center) and the other party had no visible injurie at the scene. I haven't heard anything from the other party for several monthes. But, surprisingly, I got a letter recently after almost a year after the accident. The letter was from a lawyer representing the other party. The letter told that the other party has sustained injuries and asked me to refer the letter to my insurance. The letter didn't specify any other details, just asked me to refer to my insurance if I have one.
Questions::
1. Why did the lawer contact me rather than my insurance? The other party has my insurance information. What is his intention to contact me?
2. Can I safely assume that my insurance will take care of everthing once I forward the mail? If not, what will or can be my responsibility?
3. Is it a good idea to hire an attroney to defend myself at this point?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Questions::
1. Why did the lawer contact me rather than my insurance? The other party has my insurance information. What is his intention to contact me?

MY RESPONSE: This is typical, to let you know that the other party is represented and will be making a claim against your insurance policy. Also, when read between the lines, it's to place you on notice that there could be a lawsuit against you if your insurance doesn't settle - - like an introduction to who your nemesis will be.

2. Can I safely assume that my insurance will take care of everthing once I forward the mail? If not, what will or can be my responsibility?

MY RESPONSE: During the "claim / settlement" stage, yes. However, once a lawsuit is filed and served on you, be prepared to be "married" to your insurance company for the duration. Follow their instructions to you "to the letter."

3. Is it a good idea to hire an attroney to defend myself at this point?

MY RESPONSE: You won't need to. If a lawsuit is filed and served against you, immediately make a copy for yourself, and immediately mail the original OF EACH AND EVERY PIECE OF PAPER you are served with to your insurance adjuster, via Certified Return Receipt. Once the papers are received, you will be assigned a defense attorney - free of any further charge. That's because you're paying for one already in the cost of your insurance. Whew ! But, like I said above, be prepared to have meetings by phone or in-person with your attorney. Also, you will be expected to answer questions, etc., both written and oral, during the "Discovery phase" of a lawsuit. "Complete cooperation" at a moment's notice will be your watchphrase. Do exactly as you are instructed, and you'll be okay.