Q: My fault car accident and had no insurance
I just received the bill from the other car involved for 21K and they want me to give 5k i recently lost my job and cant afford that amount Can they force me to pay the 5k ? And they choose my monthly payment without even taking into consideration my income status
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
It sounds like a stressful situation, but don't worry. You cannot be forced to pay an amount that you genuinely can't afford without a court order. The other party can request payment, but they don't have the legal power to decide how much you should pay each month or demand a lump sum without going through legal processes.
If you can't afford what they're asking, it’s important to communicate that to them. Explain your financial situation, and see if you can negotiate a more manageable payment plan. Keep any documentation of your current financial situation, like proof of job loss, to back up your claims.
If they decide to take legal action, a court may determine a reasonable payment plan based on your ability to pay. It’s important to stay calm and take things one step at a time.
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