Hit by a drunk driver... who has no insurance?! Help!?
Hello!
I am a bit skeptical on how to approach this situation. I am 22 with a broken leg. Any leads or advice would be deeply appreciated and would be a huge help to me.
I was hit by a possible drunk driver roughly 4 weeks ago. My passenger was able to walk out of it with a few scratches, but I completely broke my right leg (open tib/fib fracture) that resulted in surgery (I had screws and a metal rod inserted into my shin). The other driver fled the scene without their registered vehicle. Kinda' funny!
...My problems lie with what my family has told me. Should I go and outright sue her? Should I represent myself since the case is already a winning situation (there were 2 witnesses of the accident)? How much could I get, especially if the other driver not well off? How will payment be collected? Will the lawyer expect money from the insurance check? What is the best route to take?
I'm so confused about legalities! I really really appreciate any and all advice. Thanks so much!
Answers:
I'm a bit confused on why you aren't letting your insurance company handle this for you. That's what you pay them for. Part of your comprehensive coverage is for uninsured mototists. They should be doing all the work to get THEIR money back after they're done shelling out for you to get your car fixed and paying your medical bills. Let THEM sue.
You will pay an attorney a lot of money - yes - but they will find the resources to make the person responsible to pay far better then you can by representing yourself. For example lets say you represent yourself and a judge or jury says they should pay you a $100k. She'll laugh in your face and pretend she doesn't have it and you won't get a dime. But an attorney might find she has some insurance some where, some one else might be responsible for her (like they loaned her the car) or that she has a nice job and he \ she can attach her wages - things you would never think to look for or find - an attorney can. And since the attorney only gets paid if you do - they probably will.
PS. Interview at least 3 attorneys.
Sue her.
There are tons of lawyers who will take a case like this on contingency -- i.e., they don't get paid till you get paid. That's your best bet in this case, because prosecuting cases like this always cost a ton of money before a settlement happens, no matter how many witnesses there were or how much evidence is there. My best advice is to contact a personal injury or auto accident lawyer (yellow pages or Google, or your local Bar Association) and get them on your case right away to preserve your rights and get the ball rolling -- do it now, before all of those medical bills start to pile up and the hospital billing department comes calling.
Get your self a lawyer son,
better get a real good one.
Don't much around.
Course it depends on what country you're in
but get proper advice!
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