What is the extent of liability for someone who runs a red light?
Question Details: My wife was in an accident on 2/8/10 where some guy ran a red light and totalled her car. Our insurance (State Farm) has no medical (I signed the waiver) and a $1k deductible, and when I contacted them they said since the other driver was at fault, I should file a claim with them (Farmers) which I did. Farmers has contacted us, and wants my wife to make a recorded statement before they consider any damages. My wife incurred injuries that were serious enough that I took to an ER and CAT scans were required. I'm not feeling real good about the direction this appears to be going. Advice ?
You should locate a lawyer that handles 'personal injury' cases in yoru geographic area and talk to them. Most handle these on a contigent fee basis - so you pay nothing until something is recovered (a % of the recovery). This lawyer can advise you on giving a statement to Farmers and be present when it is given if they feel it is approrpiate. The fact Farmers is investigating it is a good sign for you, actually. I assume the other driver got a ticket? Plan on the process taking a long time as the injuries from such accident can soemtimes take a long time to heal and you do NOT want to settle her claim against farmers until you are certain exactly what the long term ramifications may be.
