[OT, Personal] I need a lawyer!

[Ashrem Bayle]

Hi guys,

A few weeks ago a stupid woman pulled out in front of my wife. Our car was totaled and the air bag broke my wife's sternum (breastbone).

Now, here is the kicker: The idiot that pulled out in front of her, had no insurence.

Now, our insurence claims that our car was worth 7300 and is paying us that much + medical. However, we still owed about 6500 on it.

It boils down to us no longer having a car.

I've never been in this situation before and really don't know what my options are. I know there are at least a few lawyers or people that have been through this on here that can offer some friendly advice .

The fact is, this woman pulled out in front of my wife, almost killed her, destroyed the car, made my wife's and my own life hell for the last three weeks, and all we are getting in return is $7300 + medical and (I hope) a little for pain and suffering.

It looks like we aren't going to be able to pay cash for a new car and the sad thing is, since we just got married (4 months ago), funds are really tight and we probably can't get a loan for a new car.

On a brighter note, my wife is getting better and she can now stand up and sit down without my help.

Any advice guys?

 

[herald]

My advice is to contact the American Bar Association in your area to find a Lawyer in your area knowledgable to your local laws on that sort of thing.

ABA

There is information on how to find a lawyer on this site. Plus information about free help if you qualify.

I think that just about anyone on this website will advise you that taking legal advice form any one over the internet is risky business, so try and talk to an attorney one on one. Some do give free consultations.

I wish you the best of luck.

By the way, I'm not at all involved in the Law industry.

 

[kibbitz]

Sorry, can't help. I hope someone else will drop by and offer something more useful than this, but from me, words from the heart, "Take care, God bless, and may things work out for you."

 

[BButler]

I'll give the same advice as above. Contact your local bar association and get the names of some reputable lawyers in your area who practice in the area of personal injury law. Call, set up an appointment, and talk with a lawyer. Talk to more than one if you're not satisfied with the first.

Many lawyers do not charge for an initial consultation, and, in many areas, plaintiff's lawyers (the kind you'll be talking to) work on a contingency fee basis.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

No legal advice here, just practical advice from someone who went through much the same (totalled my car right after college, still owing about 80% of its value).

Take the $500 difference between your outstanding loan and the value of your car, and put it down on a new car.

In this economy your credit would have to be absolute not to get financing.

If possible, go to the same dealer as before, and explain what happened. You were making the payments on the previous car, were you not?

If absolutely necessary, ask one of your parents to co-sign on the loan.

As far as suing the lady goes, "You can't squeeze blood out of a stone." If she had any money, she probably would have been insured.

Sorry if this isn't the advice you were looking for, but in the long run it will save you all that headache.


Wulf

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

Thanks guys!

Yea, I already planned to talk to a lawyer. I'm not really sure what to expect though.

As far as the "squeezing blood from a stone" thing goes, thats what i'm afraid of.

On side note, it is illegal to not have insurence in Alabama. I believe there is a warrant out for her arrest as well.

I think we need to file charges as well, but I'm not sure.

 

[herald]

I think we need to file charges as well, but I'm not sure.

If you feel that there must be some kind of criminal charge leveled against her. Contact the local authorities right away. Have them explain everything that you should know about your accident you should know.

But do talk to a lawyer very soon.

As before, I wish you the best of luck.

 

[JoeBlank]

I am an attorney in Georgia, with contacts in Alabama, although mostly Birmingham and Montgomery. If you are still interested and send me an email, I can try to get you a referral to a good personal injury attorney in your area.

 

[Marius Delphus]

Hey Ashrem, let me first extend my sympathies to you and your wife.

I live in Huntsville, and if you do need an attorney (if only just to sit down with for an hour or so) I may be able get some names for you (of course they may be the same names JoeBlank turns up!). Send me an email if you like. Remember, lawyers can get expensive.

Make sure you know how to get the police report prepared by the officer at the collision site. (The police were there, right?) If you decide to pursue the matter you're going to need it.

 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

No real help from me either, Ash. I am however sorry to hear about your predicament, i'm very glad to here that your wife is doing well. It's a real shame to run into such horrible luck, especially so soon after your wedding. I truely hope everything works out well for you in the end. As far as your car trouble i'd go with Wulf's advice, percentage rates are very low right now and you mau be able to make a deal were you don't need to start payment for up to an year.

Anyway, just wanted to send my, Best wishes to you and your wife.