I'd suggest you ask to see the estimate and to see the actual physical damage to the rear of the car. If the damage appears to be old you can refuse to pay for it. If new and where your daughter's car struck the rear of their car, then pay for it but get a Release. Don't pay money without a full and final release, which a lawyer should probably draw up.

Recently, while behind a moving vehicle that had to stop quickly, my 16 year old daughter lightly hit the rear end of the vehicle. There appeared to be no damage to either vehicle but my daughter gave the other driver her name, phone number and insurance info. Later that day the driver called and said that after she washed her vehicle (a 2004 black Malibu) she found several scratches that she says has to be from my daughter barely hitting her. She now wants us to pay for the damage. She says she has an estimate of $350.00. What do you advise us to do?

 

A:

I'd suggest you ask to see the estimate and to see the actual physical damage to the rear of the car. If the damage appears to be old you can refuse to pay for it. If new and where your daughter's car struck the rear of their car, then pay for it but get a Release. Don't pay money without a full and final release, which a lawyer should probably draw up.




Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Knowing your rights and how to protect yourself is important. Always be alert to risks that can cause you injury or get you killed.  Steve Lombardi provides commentary and insight on this blog, The Verdict and also writes for the Iowa Edict and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses for all types of accidents and injuries. Attorney Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer. Join us in making the world a safer place. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com )
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What should I do if an attorney is trying to overcharge me for an auto accident case? On July 2010 I was rear ended while on duty. That day I was transported to the hospital and scheduled a follow-up with the workers comp doctors. Upon several visits the doctor advised that neck and hip pain were pre-existing, so I decided to get a Lawyer. I went to Lawyer A, who has represented me up until Nov 2011. On November 19, I received an email from Lawyer A, who advised me the insurance company wants to settle my case for $12,500 with me receiving $5,000. I advised Lawyer A that price would not work, because I have been seeking treatments (message therapy, and acupuncture) using my personal insurance. I did not know when I was using my personal insurance, depending on how the treating doctor codes it, the insurance company can seek for me to pay them back in the future (information told to me by Lawyer A’s staff) . In addition, Lawyer A’s staff advised me to not go back to my worker’s comp doctor because my bill was too high, and for me to see a personal injury and car accident doctor. When I advised Lawyer A that did not want to settle my case with the insurance company for $12,500 with me receiving $5,000, Lawyer A offered me $6,000. I advised Lawyer A that price would not work as well and I would contact their office at a later date. I then found Lawyer B, explained the entire situation to them and signed an agreement with them and terminated Lawyer A due to me not being satisfied with the services they provided me throughout the entire time. Almost a month later Lawyer B contacted me advising me that I was untruthful and they are deciding to not take my case because per the insurance company Lawyer A settled my case for $12,500 on November 19th, and a check was already overnight to Lawyer A’s office. Now that was unbeknownst to me. I then contacted Lawyer A and their staff advised me the insurance company was in a rush and just mailed them a settlement check in attempts to clear their books before the end of the year.

Can I sue the policy holder for injuries or just the driver? I was in an accident and the other driver was at fault. He is a high school senior. The insurance policy is in a different name but same address. If the limits are low, can I sue the policy holder or just the driver? I was injured and have had two surgeries. The doctor says I will likely need more.

Do I have a case against the car manufacturer for airbags that did not deploy? I was in a accident where my vehicle was struck in the rear, my passenger side air bag deployed and the driver’s side air bag did not. I had nothing sitting in the seat on the passenger side of the vehicle. I was going 60 MPH when I was struck by a vehicle going 95+. My vehicle then struck the dividing barrier on the driver’s side. (Referring to 2nd generation air bags)

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