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Car Accidents Questions & Answers
Q: What can I do if I am uninsured and get sued after a car accident?
I was involved in a vehicle accident in Pennsylvania where I was the owner of the vehicle, but not the driver at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, the vehicle was not insured at the time. I have been contacted by the other party's insurance company. I am unsure if there were any... View More 
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2025
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answered on Nov 13, 2025
First, you need to understand that even as the owner who was not driving, you can still be sued in Pennsylvania if someone claims your negligence contributed to the crash, including for allowing someone to use an uninsured vehicle. The other driver’s insurance company contacting you means they... View More
Q: How likely is my fender bender injury lawsuit to go to court?
I am 18 years old and facing a lawsuit for bodily injury from a minor fender bender in which I backed into another car about a year ago. Initially, the other driver said they were fine, but now they are claiming soft tissue injury, pain and suffering, and inability to earn future income. My... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2025
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answered on Nov 12, 2025
You are not alone in feeling anxious about this; what you are describing is a very common pattern in minor car-accident injury claims. In Kentucky, most soft-tissue auto cases resolve through settlement between the insurance company and the injured person’s lawyer, often long before a jury trial.... View More
Q: Can I ask the at-fault driver to admit fault in an Arizona car accident?
Last week, I was involved in a car accident in Arizona, where I believe the other driver was at fault. However, they have not admitted to this. Can I legally message them to ask for an admission of fault, and is it permissible to pressure them by stating that I will take the matter to court if they... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2025
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answered on Nov 12, 2025
You can reach out to the other driver, and you can ask them to explain what happened or even to state in writing that they accept responsibility. There is no law that forbids you from calmly asking for their side of the story or from requesting an admission of fault. The risk for you does not come... View More
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Ohio after a pedestrian accident?
I was struck as a pedestrian by a vehicle last week and taken to the hospital. I've been experiencing weakness, joint immobility, and back pain since the incident. A police report was filed, but I have not yet spoken with the at-fault driver's insurance company. How much time do I have to... View More
Jami S. Oliver
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answered on Nov 12, 2025
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answered on Nov 12, 2025
Ohio has a two year statute of limitations period for negligence - in general - for adults. It runs from the sate of the accident. Hope that helps.
Q: Am I liable for hitting a parked car in a private parking lot in Georgia?
I accidentally hit a parked car in a grocery store parking lot in Georgia. Am I liable for the damage even though it's private property? I didn’t leave a note or try to contact the owner, and I haven't reported it to my insurance or spoken with the store management yet.
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Nov 12, 2025
answered on Nov 12, 2025
It happened, so yes.
Whether anything ACTUALLY happens is a totally different question. So just be prepared, as hit and run is common and most Police Departments have a division dedicated to these more serious traffic offenses since there are damages/injuries involved in so many of them.... View More
2 Answers
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in
Car Accidents, Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Domestic Violence and Personal Injury
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Arkansas
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Q: What are the consequences of a DUI and child endangerment charge after an accident?
I was involved in a car accident with my 16-year-old son in Arkansas. I wasn't wearing a seatbelt and had to get stitches on my head, while my son was wearing his seatbelt and was unharmed. The police obtained a warrant for my blood and found alcohol in my system, leading to charges of DUI and... View More
2 Answers
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in
Car Accidents, Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury
for
Texas
on
Q: What actions can we take for a collision caused by poor road conditions in Texas?
My son was involved in a collision on November 7, 2025, around 9 PM due to poorly lit city roads and unmarked warnings. He was transported to the hospital and is currently in the ICU. I've heard rumors of numerous collisions in the same area due to similar road conditions. What legal actions... View More
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Daniel Estrada
answered on Nov 11, 2025
answered on Nov 11, 2025
Your son's accident case involves making a claim against a municipal, county or State agency depending on which one had custody and control of the roadway (in most cases TxDOT). When suing a governmental agency your case will fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act; this statute requires a... View More
1 Answer
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in
Car Accidents, Landlord - Tenant, Child Custody, Family Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law
for
Virginia
on
Q: How can I pursue legal action after my neighbor's accident left me homeless and without custody of my son?
I am seeking legal advice regarding an incident where my neighbor, who has lost his leg due to diabetes, crashed his SUV into my HUD-VASH home in Norfolk, Virginia, with my son inside. This devastating event led to the loss of all my possessions and left my home in disrepair, as the landlord merely... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025
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answered on Nov 11, 2025
What happened to you involves three tracks: a negligence claim against your neighbor, landlord-tenant remedies for the uninhabitable home, and a custody modification to reunite with your son. For the crash, you can pursue the neighbor and his auto insurer for property loss, relocation costs,... View More
Q: Driver hit another vehicle at a gas station; other driver claims injury. Next steps?
I was involved in a minor accident at a gas station where I accidentally hit another vehicle while driving at approximately 5 mph. The other driver is now claiming injury. There is a police report documenting the incident, but currently, there are no witnesses or video footage available.... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025
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answered on Nov 11, 2025
You should notify your auto insurer today and open a claim; give only factual details and the police report number, and do not admit fault. If anyone is claiming injury or if property damage likely exceeds $1,000, file the California DMV SR-1 within 10 days, and ensure your insurer submits proof of... View More
Q: Do I need a lawyer if I hit someone at 5 mph and they claim injury?
I recently had an incident where I accidentally hit someone with my car going 5 miles an hour. They are claiming an injury, but when the police arrived, they seemed to be on my side. Given that I have insurance, do I need to hire a lawyer to handle this situation?
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025
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answered on Nov 11, 2025
You should promptly notify your auto insurer and give a calm, factual account of what happened. Your carrier has a duty to defend you; if a claim or lawsuit is made, they will assign an adjuster and, if needed, a defense attorney at no extra cost to you.
Do not contact the other party about... View More
Q: Is fleeing the scene after overseeing a learner driver a criminal offense?
I was in a car accident last night in Ohio. The other driver involved had only a learner's permit, and the licensed driver who was supposed to be supervising them fled the scene after the accident. I would like to know if the licensed driver's fleeing the scene constitutes a criminal... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
In Ohio, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, and the licensed driver who fled can be held responsible even if they were not the one physically driving. When someone supervises a learner driver, they take on a duty to remain at the scene, provide information, and cooperate with... View More
2 Answers
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in
Car Accidents, Insurance Bad Faith, Employment Law and Personal Injury
for
California
on
Q: Can insurance refuse wage coverage for PTO after accident?
I was involved in a car accident and have a doctor's note approving two weeks off work. I'm an exempt employee with an unlimited PTO policy, so my paycheck does not reflect any PTO taken. My insurance company is disputing my claim for wage compensation during this period because it does... View More
William John Light
answered on Nov 10, 2025
answered on Nov 10, 2025
Yes, the insurer can dispute your claim. You can submit additional evidence to support your wage loss claim. Usually, your pre and post injury paycheck stubs will show diminution of income following injuries, which, in addition to the doctor's note, will be sufficient evidence of wage loss.... View More
2 Answers
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in
Car Accidents, Traffic Tickets, Criminal Law and Personal Injury
for
Illinois
on
Q: How do I handle five tickets from a car wreck when it's my first offense in Illinois?
I was involved in a single-car accident where I wrecked my car and ended up in a ditch. I don't have a clear memory of what happened. Following the incident, I received five tickets. This is my first offense of this nature. I'm seeking legal guidance on how to handle these charges and any... View More
Charles Candiano
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
All states except Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are part of the DLC (drivers license compact). All driving offenses committed in any state other than those four are automatically reported to your state. You are a resident of Missouri, so I assume your driver's... View More
Q: What are my options for a DUI charge due to mouthwash and misconduct by a trooper in Louisiana?
I was involved in an accident two months ago in Louisiana, caused by a faulty part in my truck. Following the accident, I was booked for a DUI because I refused a breathalyzer test. I refused the test because I had just used mouthwash and knew it might affect the results, as it had done during a... View More
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Nov 10, 2025
answered on Nov 10, 2025
Whatever your options are, they are going to be better if you are represented by counsel---there are may lawyers who handle both civil rights/police misconduct cases and criminal/DUI defense cases----I would recommend that you use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for those type lawyers and... View More
Q: What are the next steps after a minor car accident in Minnesota?
I got into a minor car accident in a parking lot in Minnesota. I accidentally hit a parked car, and there was no one inside at the time. It happened while it was snowing, and there were no witnesses. I want to know what steps to take next regarding reporting the accident or dealing with insurance... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
First, make sure you comply with Minnesota law by stopping and checking the damage. If the other vehicle’s owner isn’t present, leave a written note in a visible place with your name, address, and contact information, or report the incident to local law enforcement. Take several clear photos of... View More
1 Answer
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in
Car Accidents, Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Personal Injury
for
Pennsylvania
on
Q: How can I defend against underage drinking charges after a DUI accident as a passenger?
I am a 17-year-old who was recently involved in a car accident where my friend, who was driving, was charged with a DUI. My friend took my keys by force while intoxicated, and I was made to ride with him along with my cousin. Unfortunately, I was pressured into drinking that night, although I... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
You are not being charged with DUI; your issue is the potential underage drinking charge under Pennsylvania’s law for minors possessing or consuming alcohol. Since you were 17 and not the driver, the Commonwealth would have to prove that you knowingly consumed or possessed alcohol, and that... View More
Q: Why is my dad's home insurance being sued for a ski collision I was involved in?
I was involved in a collision on a regular ski trail when another skier cut me off, leading to the incident. Although my dad was not involved in the collision, his home insurance is being sued. Could you help me understand why his home insurance is being targeted despite his non-involvement, and... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
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answered on Nov 10, 2025
Your dad’s homeowners policy likely includes personal-liability coverage that follows resident relatives anywhere, so the claimant is aiming at that policy for defense and payout. Even though your dad wasn’t involved, you are probably an “insured” under his policy if you live in his... View More
Q: Can I be compensated for a work-related auto accident if not injured?
I was involved in an auto accident while driving a commercial vehicle for work in Texas. The other driver was at fault, and there were no injuries. I've reported the accident to my employer, who is handling insurance matters. Can I be personally compensated since I was directly involved in the... View More
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 7, 2025
answered on Nov 7, 2025
The question arises: compensated for what?
You say you weren't injured. Was the damaged commercial vehicle yours, or your employer's?
Q: What happens if I'm in an accident in CA without insurance and not at fault?
I was involved in an accident while driving a vehicle that I do not own; however, the vehicle is insured with liability coverage only. I don't have my own insurance policy. We exchanged information at the scene, and the police arrived, but didn't file a report. I am not at fault for the... View More
William John Light
answered on Nov 7, 2025
answered on Nov 7, 2025
If you are driving the vehicle with permission of the insured owner, you are very likely insured under the owner's policy.
Q: What are the consequences of an accident without insurance but car insured?
I was involved in a car accident in California where I was not at fault. Although I do not have personal insurance, the car I was driving is insured. What should I do to ensure that the accident costs are covered, and what potential legal consequences could I face for not having personal insurance?
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2025
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answered on Nov 7, 2025
You should open a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer immediately and give a clear, chronological account; request they accept liability, pay to repair the car, and cover your medical bills and lost wages. At the same time, notify the owner’s insurer and confirm in writing that you were a... View More
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