what should i have to worry about upon receipt of a letter from a law office about an accident i was at fault in almost a year ago
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what should i have to worry about upon receipt of a letter from a law office about an accident i was at fault in almost a year ago
last july i rearended someone on a city road. the authorities were called, strangly nobody was cited, and that was it. now 10 months later, a letter, forwarded by the post office to my new address, has arrived from a law office. they claim i should take responsibility for 1200 dollars or face a suit against myself. i am a single mother and definatly not able to take this on right now.
Asked on May 7, 2009 under Accident Law, Texas
Answers:
R.S.T., Member, NY Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
Do you have liability insurance? If you do, i'd contact my insurance company as soon as possible and notify them and forward the letter to their attention. They will then defend you and pay for an attorney to represent you. But do not contact that lawyer's office wout calling your insurance company first.
N. K., Member, Iowa and Illinois Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
You could try to reach a settlement with the lawyer and his client since the amount of $1200 is small for a tort action. Perhaps you could arrange to make monthly payments. Explain your financial situation to the lawyer and he may be willing to work with you since it may not be beneficial for his client to take you to court.
Or, you could let the party sue you and you could try to defend yourself. The other party must prove damages as well as the amount of damages.
You need to decide whether it is worth it to take a chance in court or if it would be better for you to agree to pay $1200 to settle the matter once and for all.
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