Hi guys,
so a few days ago, as i was stepping out of my house i get a buzz on the intercom. Turns out there is a guy there to deliver court summons. I had a accident last year, where i hit someones car. The fault was both of ours. I didnt get a ticket, just a warning citation. Now a month or two shy of a year, i get court papers from Allstate and the guy i hit to pay 2863.83 plus cost of suit. I am freaking out! I filled out a Illinois motorist report when the accident happened, and i had forgot to call my insurance company, because i was so shaken for the first few days and then i had finals going on. But i got a letter from my  company, which i filled out and returned. i didnt even think he could do this. I'm freaking out, it was my first accident. Now i cant help but think, what if i lose. Thats about 3000 over i would have to pay, and then there is probably the rate my insurance will go up for reckless driving. Oh my. I am sooo overwhelmed. Any one have any suggestions, advice? or been in the same situation?

It seems to me that your insurance should pick up the tab and represent you. Fill out the paperwork, poss countersue.

You contacted your insurance company and filled out a police report which is a good thing. I would contact your insurance company first, they should be able to take car of it.

ctboss wrote:

You contacted your insurance company and filled out a police report which is a good thing. I would contact your insurance company first, they should be able to take car of it.

Ya , I mailed everything to my agent who i bought the insurance from. She said she would fax it out for me, and talk to them since shes done this before. So i really hope it all works out. Thanks for your advice.

Talking to your insurance company is really the best thing you can do, short of hiring an attorney yourself. That's an expensive option though, and one you shouldn't have to pursue if your insurance company is doing its job. I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I was in a fender bender with another motorist - my fault - and a $25,000 lawsuit showed up in my mailbox a few months later.

Fortunately, my insurance company was on the ball. An attorney contacted me pretty quickly and was good about talking to me through the process. I lost the suit, but the insurance company picked up the tab. The downside: my insurance rates shot up for about three years. But it could have been a lot worse. It sounds to me like your downside is pretty limited here, provided your insurance company is competent.

Best of luck!

Roane242

Good to hear that they were on the ball.

I guess you're indeed in a difficult situation but if I'm on your shoes, I'll get a lawyer. Prove to the other party that both of you made mistakes that's why accident happened. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You win or lose just fight for your right.

I'd be surprised if your insurance premium doesn't go up regardless of the outcome of the court case.

Hopefully your insurance company can settle this, and you can avoid the expense of retaining a lawyer.