Accident

[aspadda]

My wife was driving , my friend's car and she met an accident. Actually a private bus was going infront of her and they all stopped on red light . Afetr light was green the bus started and so did she . But the bus driver found some customer and immediately stopped . My wife could not control and in confusion hit the bus at the back . There was no damage to bus at all though the car hood , bumper etc were damaged . Bus driver after stopping once went off without waiting for the cops. SOme one from inside th bus called 911 and cops reached that bus some 2-3 miles away from the incident. After taking some reports from the bus driver and passengers the cops came to the incident place and asked my wife aboiut the incident. My friend ( owner of the car) informed the insurance , but he had a liability insurance . So i had to bear the cost of repair ( around $3000 ) and also had to buy the car later as my friend was of the opinion that the market value of the car has gone very down due to accident . I also bought the car for $5500) . Now i am getting letters from lawyers asking about my wife's driving licence and insurance details , and they r representing some passengers in the bus . On the spot no was hurt and ambulance was also not called . Though we went to hospital as my wife had some brusises . Me and my wife had a liability insurance policy at the time of accident. Now the owner of the car as well as the letters from lawyers often come . I m confused wat to do , as i had already suffered around $8,500 ( Cash) . Please advice .

[sanjcher]

sorry man i am not sure what exactly i can suggest. too bad nobody else came to help u on this forum. i dont know, why the ppl only help a select few ppl on the forum. u like me have been put on their "never help list" i guess. for the time being all i can say is ignore all letters. i dunno how long u can do that. or get urself a lawyer. many lawyers give free consultation. try that out first.

[bond65]

Since the end of the year is coming... I would suggest enrolling in your company's group
legal plan and then picking up a lawyer. That way you will save a whole bunch of money.

[abaner]

aspadda,

As you said you & your wife had liablity (auto-insurance ? right) insurance, you guys need to file a claim with your auto-insurance and they should appoint a lawyer for you guys- if you still have the insurance or even if you changed the carrier.. File with the one when the accident happnd. Keep your auto insurance current- and get complete separate coverages. Call & send them a letter detailing the accident and write down and keep as much info you can for negotiation. (Welcome To USA)

Get a hold of the Police report from the cops and tlk to a lawyer (preferably an american).

Most Important- do not talk to anybody on the phone or respond to any mails/emails except to your lawyer. Do not go for any settlment - this some guy in the bus trying to make a quick buck. Get a lawyer fast.

And also your 'friend' also has to file a claim with his auto-insurance. Try to have separate personal lawyers for you, your wife and your friend; if by chance your auto-insurance doesnt give a lawyer (shouldnt be-they have to by law & your contract).

And when hiring a lawyer do not give any upfront fees, till he wants to take up the case.

Hope this helps.

ps: No Legal/MOral Advise-consult a lawyer.