Consequences for Driving Uninsured?

Question

I was in a minor fender-bender after my insurance had lapsed (yes, mom, I'm dumb as heck) for 3 weeks. The other driver incurred $3000 in damages. I'd like to pay for all of it and make it right, but what are my options regarding payment? We both would like to keep this out of insurance and courts. Please advise on possible options. I just need to know what's available.

Answer 1

$3000 in damages?  That much money makes me think there is probably significant damage.  If so, I have to wonder about someone who has $3000 worth of damage to their vehicle and does not want to involve the law or insurance companies, especially if they are not in the wrong and especially, especially if you do not have insurance and they are aware of it.  

Does the other person even have insurance?  Are they in trouble with the law?  I can only imagine that someone who wants to keep the "fender bender" out of the system, has more of a reason to do so other than just for the sake of being a "good person".

You might want to talk to this person about what you all plan to do, and try to get a feel for why they seem to be so willing to work it out, out of court/insurance.  Let's face it, if they are driving uninsured as well, neither of you should have been on the road, so it's kind of a wash.

Also, don't admit fault when talking to them or agree to pay anything until you are very sure that they are legit.

For all you know, this could be a scheme.  People causing accidents in an attempt to commit fraud would LOVE for you to just pay up and not involve the authorities.

Good luck.

Answer 2

When/if you pay him, you should have a signed release from further liability from the other driver.  For $3,000. it might be wise to consult a lawyer to draw up the release.  That might avoid future problems

Answer 3

You've got to get some kind of liability release and the form had better be correct.   If they have comprehensive coverage, until you get a signed release, they can call their own insurance at any time and all bets are off.

Their damage might be less than $3,000; you can pressure 'em to present you with 3 estimates if you want to, but your best bet is to get that released signed ASAP I mean tonight if you can.

They might go to the doctor tomorrow and you'll be getting a call from a "personal injury attorney", the kind you see advertising on daytime TV.

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"If he involves his insurance company, which is not out of the question, then what are my consequences? Do the police automatically get involved?"

Where I live, the police don't automatically get involved.  I guess that's a choice of the city, or whomever has jurisdiction.  But, his insurance company will come at ya guns blazing, so you might end up talking to an officer about your unfortunate lapse of judgement, oops, I meant "insurance", anyway.

He signs a release (I mean, a legally binding release), then you can put it all behind you.

Answer 4

the word insurance in not to be used here because there is none!    

   Now,to right a wrong Will take two people or I should  say parties. yourself and the injured. I THINK THE BEST WAY TO PROCEED IS A PATH YOU BOTH CAN LIVE WITH.Since you now have a new person in your life ,treat them as such. Let this person know that you appreciate them working with you and the both of you have to work out options, you both need to walk away from this satisfied. UNDERSTANDING IS SOMETHING THE WORLD HAS A HELLUVA  NEED OF.      TRUST YOURSELF!!!     GOOD-LUCK            

                           "BRILLIANT"!!!!