Legal Question in Traffic Law in Illinois

illinois accident with no insurance

On September 2nd, 2008, I was involved in an accident. I rear ended a minivan who did NOT use his turn signal and stopped suddenly to make a turn. I couldn't stop in time and I didn't know he intended to turn because he did not signal, but I think its my fault. Anyway, I hit him and his car hit another car. I had no insurance at the time, but I did have a card saying I did, but the policy was canceled because I did not pay the premium. So I did not get a no insurance ticket. About a month after the accident I got a letter from Allstate asking for proof of insurance, but I didn't have any and didn't respond. A few months later I got a letter from credit collection services, or warningnoticeDOTcom/settlementnoticeDOTcom.

They claim to be collecting $4549 in damages paid by Allstate to the insured minivan driver. I haven't paid them a dime yet. Can they sue me if I don't pay? What can happen? Can my license be suspended? I checked, and there's nothing on my credit report about this. Can they add something to my credit report if i don't pay, or even if i do? They are willing to settle for $3639, is this common or is this a scam? should I pay Allstate directly? I just want to know basically what can happen and what can't.


Asked on 3/27/09, 1:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: illinois accident with no insurance

It is typical that the insurance companies settle for less, to save the expense of a law suit. The "magic" is making sure that if you pay them $ that it settles the whole mess. You need a lawyer to help you review the settlement documents to give you assurance that this will be done. Good Luck!

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Answered on 3/27/09, 5:02 pm


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