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Auto Insurance Claims/Rental car accident

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Question
My question involves insurance law for the state of: Tennessee



My friend rented a car (when he was uninsured) back in Nov 2007, for a
week. We went out one time, and he insisted that I drive because he was
tired, and I was not supposed to drive it . . .



I drove, got in an accident - my fault. With another rental car.



The rental car (car 1) was totaled along with another rental car (car
2) (what a coincidence!!)



Anyway, he obviously violated the "contract" with the rental company.
They kept calling me and him back and forth, and finally, I got a bill
from the rental company of car 2, for $20,000.



My insurance refused to pay since I was an unauthorized driver.

Car 1 Rental company refused to pay since he let an unauthorized driver
drive.



I told him I am going to pay $100 per month, and sent it my first
payment . . .



Is there a way I can get myself out of this? And what kind of laywer
would be able to help me out here?


Answer
Hi Sean,
If you had talked to an attorney prior to entering the settlement agreemant, he might have gotten the balance and monthly payments reduced.
Now that all the legal documents have been signed and they have you on the hook for $20,000 @ $100 per month, I see no way that anyone can help you reduce the balance or payments.

Bennie

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Bennie719

Expertise

I have extensive knowledge in Personal Auto, Homeowners Insurance and Personal Umbrella coverage. I am also thoroughly familiar with claims handeling procedures. Will answer questions related to the above.

Experience

Experience in the area: Served as an expert at askme.com from 7/2000 thru 10/2002 in the catagories of general insurance, auto and home insurance. Answered 422 questions before that site closed. Licensed in California since 1961, first in Life and Health for 2 + years and as a Property/Casualty Agent/Broker since 1964. I sold my business and took early retirement in 1998. Still maintain a valid California Property/Casualty Agent/Broker license. I have been a volunteer at allexperts.com since 2002. I can provide assistance in the following fields: Property and Casualty Insurance, Insurance Law, Auto Insurance Claims.

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