Expert: Bennie719 - 3/18/2008

Question
I live in NY, and was recently in an accident while driving my friend's car.  My friend has liability coverage, but I don't have any auto insurance.  On the police report, it stats that, I ran a red light, but the other driver was charged with traffic violation section 511, which is driving while license or privilege is suspended or revoked.  So what should I do now? should I go through my friend's insurance or settle it without insurance involved? if we settle it ourselves, will I need to pay for the other driver's damage?

Answer
Hi Jason,
You recently ask a question to someone on this board.  Instead of answering your question, they sent it to the question pool where I found it.  I will attempt to help with an answer.
First of all, the fact that the other party was driving on a suspended license does not change the fact that you were at fault and he has the right of recovery.
You have two choices, either report the accident to your friends company and have them pay all the damage and injuries (if any) or settle it without the insurance being involved which would mean that you pay for the damage to the other vehicle and all injuries if they fall within the verbal threshold set by New York's no fault insurance law.

I hope you find this information to be of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area