Los Angeles, CA asked in Car Accidents for California

Q: What is a "request to disclose limits" from my insurance via the other driver in a car accident claim?

I was involved in a car accident where the other driver made a left turn into oncoming traffic. He is now claiming that I ran a red light and was speeding and caused the accident (not true and the forensic evidence on the vehicles proves that). He has hired a lawyer and has requested the amount of policy limits on my policy. I need to sign a letter to release this information as it is private. I received a letter requesting my signature. 1.) Why would they request this? Is it common? 2.) Should I sign it? 3.) What kind of repercussions would there potentially be if I don't sign it?

Related Topics:
4 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: 1) To find out how much money your insurer might pay. Yes, it's common.

2) Yes, you should sign it.

3) You are more likely to be sued because disclosure of policy limits information is required, upon demand, in a lawsuit. Disclosure is only voluntary before a lawsuit. Why make it easier to get sued?

Tim Akpinar and Justin R. Heim agree with this answer

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: more info needed.

you should consult with a lawyer AND you auto ins carrier.

You shouldn't be talking to the ins co for the other side............your lawyer or ins co should do that.

yes it is common

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA

A: If you were hurt and the other driver is at fault you need to talk to a member of the Consumer Attorneys of California for the county where the wreck happened---they give free consults.

Let your insurance handle the other side--that's what you pay insurance for.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: You could provide them with the information; it's standard practice to request it. But as for information beyond that, such as providing a statement or other information, it would be advisable to consult with an attorney. A claimant could make statements under oath or at a deposition that could be used against them two years later at trial. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

Justin R. Heim agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.