Expert: Anne - 8/25/2009

Question
    I was the middle driver of a 3 car collision. I was driving on freeway. The traffic ahead slowed down in a short time. I was able to slow down and made a complete stop, as with the other cars in front of me. Suddenly, a car behind me (unit #3) continued to travel pretty fast after the curve and could not stop in enough time and rear-ended me. The impact pushed my car to hit the front car (unit #1). When the police came, we were told to move the vehicles to the other side and our positions were rearranged. The police collected my statement before collecting from unit #1. But then he came back to ask me how far I was behind unit #1, and whether I want to change my statement since both driver and passenger of unit #1 claimed that I hit them first before I was hit. I told him I was not going to change my statement. I was not ticketed and I wasn't sure whether unit #3 was ticketed. The insurance of unit #3 has only admitted fault for rear-ending me and stated that driver of unit #3 did not remember what happened to my car after my rear collision. Unit #3 is currently not claiming fault for my front collision due to unit #1's statement. Investigations continued.
    I do not know why unit #1 made a statement that was not real. Even though insurance of unit #1 has not contacted me, is it appropriate for me to volunteer a statement to them? Or would I make the matter worse since they'll always believe their client? I'm waiting for the police report to arrive. When is the right time for me to seek legal counsel? This dispute has been causing me great stress. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Angela,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. Car accidents can be very stressful and are a pain (literally) to deal with. Insurance companies have up to 30 days to make determinations of fault (in most states anyway).

You should seek legal advice as soon as you think your rights are not being respected, which can happen the day after the accident or even a year later. It really depends on the independent circumstances.

To find a lawyer near you, please see:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/find-a-lawyer.html

For more about accident fault, please see:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/Fault-for-the-Accident.html

Good Luck
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/