Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

Good Morning,

My name is Stepan Foroshivskiy and I would greatly appreciate your opinion on the following case. A year or so ago, I had a small auto accident, where while operating my semi-truck, the car in front of me unexpectadly stopped on a green light. Not expecting a such move I was not able to make the truck stop on time. The damages were not big, some basic bumper repairs. However when the police officer came over, and in his report he clearly stated that there was no fault of mine. He did not even give me a ticket. However recently I received a letter from a lawyer hired by the other party, the person who got involved in this accident with me, eagerly stating that i should send the report and all further information about this accident to my insurance company, as they are trying to get back at least come financial compensation. I refused to do so as the report clearly states that there is no my fault, therefore I do not need or want to get into this hassle with the insurance company. The law office, however, keeps on sending the letters stating that further consequences might follow if I do not get in touch with the insurance company. From this point on I am not sure what is the right move to do, as initially I did not inform my insurance of this small accident. If I do send the papers in and leave it all to them, my insurance rate might go up, which is not my goal either. So I would gladly appreciate to hear the professional opinion of what should be done in this case.

Sincerely,

Stepan Foroshivskiy


Asked on 3/06/12, 8:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Stephan- I would disagree with your assessment of the situation and would advise you to do different than you have already. A rear end collision is presumed negligence in a civil case, and your "no ticket" is not relevant. The Plaintiff injured in this case has three years to sue you and that is where this is heading. You had coverage and you have policy limits and a free defense. Send it in to your insurance company and they will handle things for you. I'm sure the accident itself adjusted your insurance rates and the case should not matter. I am, however, an insurance person so I don't know that area. Regards, Tim Klisz kliszlaw.com

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Answered on 3/06/12, 8:45 am


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