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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Q: Could I go to jail for a car accident without insurance in Louisiana?

I was a passenger in my own vehicle when another person who was driving caused an accident. I don't have insurance, but the police allowed me to leave the scene without citing or charging me. No one was hurt, except for a woman who went to the hospital as a precaution. Both vehicles involved... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 25, 2025

Based on your post, I doubt you would go to jail and/or be threatened with jail. As for legal trouble, there is the possibility of traffic citations being issued to you although generally they are issued at the scene. Another possibility is a civil claim being made against you depending on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Find out if prosecution decisions are pending in a Vehicle Assault DUI case from 2003 in WA.

My friend was involved in a head-on car accident in August 2003 and was charged with a DUI, which later changed to Vehicle Assault DUI at the hospital. The case went under investigation, and we were waiting for blood sample results from the state, which took over a year. Despite the case supposedly... View More

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Mar 24, 2025

2003? Or 2023?

I would have a lawyer handle it if I were the friend. You want them to be able to investigate and find out where the case is, but not in any kind of way that might make his situation worse. It's certainly possible that sample is still at the lab for testing, or that the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Can I be compensated for car and house damage caused by another driver?

My parked car and house were damaged by another driver who was at fault and has insurance. A police report was filed, but I haven't contacted my own insurance company yet. Will I be able to be compensated for those damages?

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 24, 2025

Yes, and the first step is to set up a claim with that driver's insurance company. You must obtain repair estimates for all damages, and if the limits of that driver's policy are not sufficient to cover your entire repair cost (both home and car), you can look to your own insurance... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Insurance Defense for California on
Q: What compensation should I ask for after a hit-and-run accident with ongoing PTSD and pain in CA?

I was involved in a hit-and-run accident in the winter of 2023 in a rental car. A drunk driver in a truck hit me at a red light. Since the incident, I have suffered from severe whiplash that affects my sleep, work performance, and mental health, leading to PTSD and ongoing pain. My health care... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 22, 2025

All those factors are important, how much you suffered, what medical treatment you need, what medical treatment you had, what medical treatment you need in the future, and the amount of the adverse driver's insurance, and your under-insured motorist insurance. It also depends on the attorney,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Insurance Defense for Kansas on
Q: Civil lawsuit filed against me for accident with company vehicle; both company and personal insurance have full coverage. Should they handle it?

I was involved in an accident with a company vehicle. A civil lawsuit was filed against me, but the company vehicle had full coverage insurance, and I also had my personal full coverage insurance. I received the lawsuit yesterday and wonder if the company or the insurance companies should handle... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 21, 2025

A Kansas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your accident. I hope all involved are okay. Since insurance follows the vehicle, the logical starting point here appears to be with your company vehicle's policy. Your post does not mention... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Insurance Defense for Kansas on
Q: Civil lawsuit filed against me for accident with company vehicle; both company and personal insurance have full coverage. Should they handle it?

I was involved in an accident with a company vehicle. A civil lawsuit was filed against me, but the company vehicle had full coverage insurance, and I also had my personal full coverage insurance. I received the lawsuit yesterday and wonder if the company or the insurance companies should handle... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 21, 2025

Addendum - very important. A moment ago, I advised being responsive to communications from your attorney (assigned by your company's insurance carrier). To avoid any possible confusion, this DOES NOT apply to communications you receive from the OTHER attorney suing you. The opposite applies.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for Florida on
Q: Received $1800 invoice for damage after rear-ending a rental car.

I was driving a rental car and rear-ended another driver who was also in a rental—specifically, a loaner from a dealership. The damage appeared minimal at the time, and we exchanged information. Recently, I received an invoice for $1800 from a body shop regarding the other driver's vehicle.... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 21, 2025

A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. I'm sorry about your accident. I hope all involved are okay. A starting point could be to review the terms of your rental and what it covers in terms of property damage. Based on the facts the post, it isn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Who is responsible for car damage caused by plastic debris on the highway?

I encountered a big piece of plastic on the highway today, which caused damage to my car. I've already filed a police report regarding the incident. Who is responsible for the property damage in this situation?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 20, 2025

An Ohio attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It could be argued as the responsibility of the owner or the transporter. In some instances, possibly the responsibility of the applicable DOT. However, these are difficult claims in general. A common response is usually... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Q: Legal options for car accident injuries when insurance lapsed

My vehicle was struck by another vehicle on March 13, 2023; the other driver was at fault and received traffic citations. The accident totaled the car and injured two passengers with facial injuries and a broken hip. My mother’s insurance lapsed on March 9, 2023, and the responsible party’s... View More

Loyd Bourgeois Jr
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answered on Mar 20, 2025

Unfortunately, if the crash occurred in March 2023, the matter is prescribed - meaning your claim is lost. If the date you entered is wrong and the crash occurred recently in March 2025 - you may have options. Even though the insurance on your vehicle was lapsed and the claim may be subject to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Unauthorized driver totaled my car in accident; other driver at fault. What should I do?

I lent my car to my cousin while he was visiting for the weekend. His friend took my car without permission and was involved in a car accident, totaling the vehicle. The police are not aware of the unauthorized use, as my cousin did not report it. The other driver was at fault, but the unauthorized... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 19, 2025

I assume you have made total disclosure to your insurance company of the facts. If not, you need to do so immediately. I'm guessing from your description that the unauthorized individual is attempting to receive the PIP benefits under your policy for payment of medical bills and/or is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: Can insurance payout for medical expenses be received directly?

I was involved in a car accident, and the other party's insurance has offered $5,000 for medical expenses. I've already received medical treatment using my own insurance, and I'm considering possibilities for future medical costs. I haven't been able to work for 5 days, and my... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on Mar 19, 2025

I am concerned the insurance adjuster is attempting to take advantage of you. The adjuster should be issuing to you a settlement check which compensates you for medical bills + lost wages + pain and suffering. The fact that the adjuster is attempting to pay the medical care providers directly for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for Indiana on
Q: Can my son be held responsible for a car accident without clear fault on snowy roads?

My son was involved in a car accident in Indiana with no personal injuries and no citations for fault by the authorities. The roads were snow-covered at the time of the incident. The other driver lost control and wrecked their vehicle, and subsequently, my son, who was behind them, hit their... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Mar 17, 2025

If I understand correctly, you imply that your son was driving uninsured on the date of the accident. You further state that the roads were snow-packed and that the car in front of your son lost control while it was traveling at approximately the same speed as your son. The other car was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: Relative injured in auto accident, declined settlement offers, considering court. What are the options?

One of my relatives was involved in a horrific auto accident three years ago, which was not their fault. As a result, they have undergone several surgeries and will walk with a limp for life. Earlier this year, they were offered a settlement in the low 6-figure range, which they declined. They... View More

James Iafrate
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

They have an attorney so they should discuss their legal options with their attorney who will make recommendations. If they are not satisfied with the offer, they could simply file a lawsuit and seek a jury trial. Some insurance companies will not make a reasonable offer until a lawsuit is filed.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Illinois on
Q: Consequences of improper left yield ticket with collision in Illinois?

I received a traffic ticket for improper left yield near my driveway, which resulted in a collision with another car in Illinois. The ticket doesn't mention the cost, and there were no injuries reported. I have no previous traffic violations and have been instructed to appear in court. What... View More

Theodore J. Harvatin
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

Most likely, if you had insurance covering the accident, the other driver will not show up and the ticket will be dismissed. If the other driver shows that show up you can request court supervision. The consequences will be a small fine. The amount depends on factors that vary by courthouse.

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Illinois on
Q: Consequences of improper left yield ticket with collision in Illinois?

I received a traffic ticket for improper left yield near my driveway, which resulted in a collision with another car in Illinois. The ticket doesn't mention the cost, and there were no injuries reported. I have no previous traffic violations and have been instructed to appear in court. What... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Mar 17, 2025

The responding officer cited you for failure to yield the right-of-way and you did fail to yield or there would not have been an accident. I'm sure there was damage to both vehicles and by morning the other driver and/or passengers will experience some symptoms and may go to the ER. All of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Traffic Tickets for Florida on
Q: Am I at fault in a Florida car accident with improper lane change citation?

I recently got into a car accident while turning left into a plaza entryway in Florida. The entry has two lanes, one on the left and one on the right. As I was turning, another car from the right turning lane on the opposite side went straight despite there being no lane for that direction—only a... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 16, 2025

Your inquiry describes the other driver as being at fault, so you answered your own question. However, your inquiry is missing the reason that the police officer believed you were at fault. Accused you of changing lanes from where to where?, - while the other car was where in relation to your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for South Carolina on
Q: How long for a settlement after non-injury, not-at-fault rear-end collision?

I was involved in a rear-end collision a while ago where I was not at fault and there were no injuries. A police report was filed, and I have contacted both my insurance company and the other party’s insurance. All necessary paperwork has been submitted, including ongoing negotiations. How long... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 15, 2025

A South Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm glad no one was injured here. Given the facts you present (no injuries, rear-end collision), it sounds like a straightforward claim that shouldn't encounter delays. If there is a dispute in how the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for Ohio on
Q: Out-of-control vehicle struck my box truck; seeking damages. Do I need a lawyer?

I was sitting at a red light when an out-of-control vehicle struck my box truck in Cleveland, OH. The driver had no insurance, and I only have liability coverage. There was extensive damage to my truck, which I use for work, and I was out of work for 3 days. I paid for a rental before buying a used... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 11, 2025

It's going to be tough for you to find an attorney for this. In general motor vehicle accidents are handled on a contingent basis when the other side has insurance. Without insurance, there is little guarantee of actual payment out of the judgment. This is something you could probably file... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: Explore legal options for compensation from 1997 accident.

In 1997, my stepmother, brother, and I were hit by a drunk driver in Galt, CA. Unfortunately, my stepmother and brother were killed, and although I survived, I've had to undergo several surgeries since the accident. My mother sued and was awarded damages, but the driver filed for bankruptcy,... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 10, 2025

That was 28 years ago. Any statute of limitation has long since expired. Your mother likely sued for wrongful death of your brother, and was likely awarded the policy limits of the drunk driver. Even if you were within the statute of limitations, there is likely no other money to collect. It is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Who is responsible if an HVAC employee is injured in a company vehicle on the way to a service call?

I work in HVAC, and our employer plans our service calls. Recently, our company's policy changed so that we're not paid for driving to our first service call of the day and we can't use company vehicles for personal use. In a hypothetical situation, if I were in an accident and... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Mar 10, 2025

Hypothetical questions are difficult because the details often don't make sense. If you are injured in an accident that is not your fault, the at-fault driver is responsible. None of the other details matter. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or carries minimum coverage and you sustained... View More

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