Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Defend Against False Claim

I am being sued by someone claiming a "hit and run" traffic accident.

As I was backing out of a parking space, looking behind me and going extremely slowly, this woman appeared on the passenger side of my car screaming that I was trying to kill her. I know there was no one behind me, but she called the police, who could find no evidence of her coming into contact with my car (undisturbed layer of dirt). She is claiming severe injury to her wrists, but when the police requested the name and/or phone number of the doctor who examined her, she �couldn�t remember.� I found out that a relative owns the business in front of where I had parked -- hence, no �witnesses.� The police were ready to dismiss the case, but she told them she�d wanted to pursue this in civil court. The police will now keep the case open indefinitely and if she is unsatisfied with the civil court outcome, will be able to reopen the criminal. Can they do that? I believe it is a scam to get money from me or my insurance company. How do I protect myself and keep my insurance company from giving this crazy person any money for a completely false claim? Is there any way to restore my previously perfect driving record?


Asked on 1/19/99, 4:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Defend Against False Claim

Good news and bad news. you cannot stop your insurance company from paying her if they decide to. You can tell them not to pay her and cooperate with them in defending the case and they may not pay her.

good news is that a civil lawsuit does not affect your driving record.

Ken Koury

Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

5807 Topanga Cyn Blvd., Suite G-201


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Answered on 1/28/99, 3:19 pm


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