Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
Red Light Runner leaves huge medical bills behind.
I was badly injured by a red light runner. No doubt about her fault--three witnesses and a copy of her citation on the police report. I spent a month and a half in the hospital and had 11 operations to reconstruct my leg and foot. I still have trouble walking and, as a result, am unable to return to my previous job which I held for 10 years. The medical bills are upward toward $200,000. The car she drove was registered to her father and had a $30,000. policy on it. And this woman resides with her parents. The father has two other vehicles with $50,000 and $100,000. policies on them from the same insurer. Is there any way to attach liability to the father or these other policies? What options do I have?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Red Light Runner leaves huge medical bills behind.
I assume that you already have an attorney handling this matter for you. There are many issues that can be addressed. If you would like a free telephone consultation regarding this matter call me at 818-342-8020x1
Re: Red Light Runner leaves huge medical bills behind.
Usually the legal owner of a car is only on the hook for someone else's negligence in driving the owner's car up to $15,000.00.
Re: Red Light Runner leaves huge medical bills behind.
I cannot give you a clear answer on this without further information. Based on the information given it is unlikely that the policies on the other two vehicles would impact this vehicle.
However, there are other questions that need to be asked: Was the driver a minor when the accident occurred? Were there alcohol or drugs involved?
Was there a history of poor/negligent driving such that the parents may have negligent in entrusting the vehicle to her? If so, you may be able to sue the parents for negligent entrustment. They might have an "umbrella" insurance policy or other policy that might cover them for such damages.
This is not something that I would recommend that you handle on your own. You should be represented by an attorney.
Also, the Statute of Limitations is generally ONE YEAR from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit you will lose some or ALL of your rights.
I would be happy to discuss this matter with you. But, make sure that a year does not go by without meeting with an attorney to discuss this matter.
J. Caleb Donner
www.donnerlaw.com
805-494-6557
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