I'm 19. I'm Being Sued, and I NEED HELP!

[CalKidDrew]

My name is Andrew, I'm an undergraduate student at the University of California Berkeley.

In June of 2003, I was driving my friends car down the 101 in Los Angelos around 3am when I was involved in a string of accidents and rear ended the car in front of me. The only damage was done to the bumper of her car and the front of my friends. Furthermore, the lady drove nearly 1/2 mile before reversing to the scene of the accident. CHP were on site to deal with the report, and after I cleared all my alcohol tests and the report was written, everyone departed. I was only 17 at the time and had no clue what was going on. I was denied an oppertunity to meet and exchange information with the woman I hit, and was told everything would be covered.

The insurance claim was filed through my friend - the owner of the car and legally responsible. We assumed she would seek more money than insurance gave her, but time passed with no word of legal action.

It has been a year and a half since the accident, BUT 4 hours ago, I was notified by my friend (the owner of the car) that this woman has served papers and is sueing both my friend AND I.

Right now I'm beside myself. My friend has forwarded the papers to his insurance company and tomorrow I'll hear a little more.

I guess I'm here because I'm looking for expert advice. It's been so long and this woman has failed to sue. Now I'm 900 miles from home and completely involved in a new life. I dont know what could happen, any options I have, or anything.

It's also my personal opinion that this woman is sueing out of greed. So long without a word, and now we're being served papers.

PLEASE HELP ME.
What should I do? Anything worth knowing? Anything to look for? Questions to ask?

 

[NYClex]

well Andrew, so far you have not been sued. Only once you really are being served a complaint, you will be sued. Then you also will know the exact claims that are being brought. From what I read so far, only your friend has been sued. He has insurance and they usually handle this. I doubt that she will be suing for more than your friend is insured, if really her only damage was the bumper. But you will find out about the damage she claims once you see the complaint.

Once you are being sued you have to answer the complaint, usually within a certain period of time. This answer is very important. If the insurance company does not provide an attorney, I suggest you consult an attorney and let him handle this. In the answer you probably will reject her claims and then a trial will be demanded. However, usually these things never reach a trial. People usually setlle. Sometimes a complaint gets dismissed if the defendant can show it is ludicrous. As I said, usually the insurance company should handle this.

I understand it is scary to be sued, but that is what legal professionals are there for: to help you with that and ease the fear. So, if you get served, contact the insurance and find out what they want to do, and then consult an attorney if you feel this is not enough.