Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Georgia
Last year I was involved in a car accident in Georgia, the officer said we were both at fault because she was driving with a learners permit, speeding through a school zone with no adult in the car. I was at fault because I pulled out and didn't see her. Therefore he said that our own insurance companies would handle our own vehicles. Well I got a phone call from the insurance company that said I owed them 12 grand for repairs to the vehicle, I then told them what the officer told me and forwarded them the report, but today my father got a visit from the sheriff saying trying to serve a civil warrant against me but I live in Ohio. I am trying to figure out before I contact the sheriff's office tommorow what exactly do I need to find out and see if I can put a stop to it. I feel if I do go to court I will win but its hard for me to just jump back to Georgia to go to court when I have a full time job and go to school. Any advice would be appreciated.
2 Answers from Attorneys
You're leaving something important out. Were you insured? Didn't you call your insurer?
Hopefully you didn't commit a crime and drive uninsured. And hopefully you reported the incident to your insurer. If you did, they instructed you that they would handle the claim and to forward any communications, and the other parties' insurer acted completely improperly in calling you (you should have hung up and called your insurer).
Unless you screwed up by driving uninsured, in which case you should expect to spend $10,000 to $50,000 to hire a lawyer, If you are insured, they will hire a lawyer. Tell your insurer immediately (TONIGHT - they are all open 24/7) about the suit and they will defend it.
DO NOT CALL THE SHERIFF. Do call your insurer. And stop talking to their insurer.
You question is unclear about WHICH insurance company is demanding the $12k. For purposes of this answer, I'll assume it's the other driver's insurance company. You need to let your insurance company know ASAP! One of the things your insurance premium buys you is a lawyer to defend you if someone (or their insurance company) sues you. If your insurance company refuses to provide you with an attorney, you should consult with a Georgia personal injury attorney immediately.
Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******
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