Q: Can I ask the insurance co to settle myself without a lawyer? Also do I have to fill out interrogatories with no lawyer?
I was struck by two people in a car accident at no fault of mine. But there were no credible Witnesses besides us. I was injured, and have medical debt and lost wages. not to mention scoliosis so my pain is pretty deep. No lawyers around here are brave enough I guess to take on a case with no Witnesses. This has been going back and forth in court for a while. My question is, can I just get the other person's attorney and contact the insurance company to try and settle? One case offered a low settlement, and the other case is trying to deny fault with this honesty. Also not sure if I need to fill out interrogatories for court if I don't have an attorney anyway and will probably represent myself if I do go
A:
You can, but I would strongly advice you against it. The opposing party will take advantage of it and will either settle for a lot less than the case is actually worth or deny liability completely. Only experienced PI attorney can properly evaluate your case and make sure you're getting compensated fairly for everything you're entitled to. The attorney will also know how to establish liability (even if there are no independent witnesses) and how to handle litigation process.
Yes, you would have to answer interrogatories and other discovery and without attorney you wouldn't know what information you have to provide and what you can object to which can compromise your case outcome.
1 user found this answer helpful
A: You have the right to represent yourself. The fact that you have not been able to find an attorney has nothing to do with their "bravery" but may be an indication that your case is weak. You can try to negotiate the case yourself, sure.
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