What do I do if my car insurance sent a letter telling me that I should retain a lawyer due to a minor car accident where someone went to the hospital?
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What do I do if my car insurance sent a letter telling me that I should retain a lawyer due to a minor car accident where someone went to the hospital?
Asked on May 31, 2013 under Personal Injury, Florida
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You should contact your insurance company because that letter may be a mistake. If you were at fault in the accident, your insurance company should provide you with an attorney at no cost to you, and that attorney will handle the case for you.
You should also find out what the status of the case is from your insurance company. When this injured person completes his or her treatment and is released by the doctor or is declared by the doctor to be permanent and stationary which means having reached a point in medical treatment where no further improvement is anticipated, the person will try to settle the case with your insurance company. If the case is settled with your insurance company, NO lawsuit is filed. If the case is NOT settled with your insurance company, a lawsuit will be filed against you for negligence. When you are served with the summons and complaint (the complaint is the lawsuit), you will need an attorney to file an answer to the complaint. As mentioned above, your insurance carrier should provide you with an attorney at no cost to you. Most of these cases are settled with the insurance company without even filing a lawsuit. Don't worry about it.
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