Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: Hit & Run

When you called the 888 number, you revealed your telephone number to the collection agency, maybe this was all they wanted. Remember that when you call a toll-free number your calling number is captured via Automatic Number Identification even if you have caller ID blocking turned on. This is one reason you should never speak to a collection agency on the phone. Maybe they are trying to collect some other alleged debt, and the car accident story is a ruse.

The correct response, aside from contacting your auto insurance carrier which you did, is to mail the CA a FDCPA debt validation letter -- google for it -- they have 30 days to send you validation of the debt. Now that they have your phone number, expect more spam telephone calls which you should not answer. Save the notice and any other correspondence you may receive.

Re: Hit & Run

Mr. Stone is correct.

I believe that you are being scammed. Normally, when you leave a note on a car that you hit in a parking lot, it is the owner of the car that was hit who usually contacts you, or their insurance company or a lawyer, but not a collection agency.

Good luck

Re: Hit & Run

First, your prior driving record is irrelevant-it is of no importance here. If your ins. co. is handling this, they should investigate with the following things in mind.

Where was this strip mall or lot and what was the exact date and time?----and where you there at that time?

Who is Paragon representing?---possibly an insurance company for the other couple? Someone should contact them to get photos and an estimate of their car. Do you have any damage to your car? If so, would it match up to the other car? Tell Paragon that you are disputing this claim and debt until you and your ins. co. completely look into this.