Expert: Robin Sexton - 9/16/2009

Question
I was involved in an accident and tried to call the other party to ask for insurance information. The other party was at fault (according to the police report). The other party did not give the name of insurance company, so I had to call her number listed on the report to ask if she had insurance, and if she did who was the insurance provider was.

She did not not answer my question. But said "Call my insurance company" and then hung up. There was no way I could do that without knowing which company to call. So I called back again. She just hung up. I called again (this is 3rd time) and she picked up and yelled "are you deaf? call my insurance company".

I called my insurance provider and they too had no luck getting any info.

I called her the next day and left 2 voice messages at 9:15 and 12:15.  But never got any answer.

Later that day, I was informed that she filed a complaint with the police about me harassing her over the phone for information. NOW, i am truly worried that she will drag me to court.

I do not know what to do. I am not rich and can not defend myself if I face off with a experienced attorney. More worse, I aspire to be a bank manager some day... and am worried that this misdemeanor will ruin my career and life.

Please advise me. I live in Alabama. Here it is a Misdemeanor to harass over the phone.

Answer
Calvin,

Sorry about the problems you are having.  Vehicle insurance in each states varies along with the reporting requirements for reporting accidents. In Michigan for example officer's obtain insurance information and put that on the report.  Further Michigan is a no-fault state so the only insurance that really matters is yours.  Yeah you probably called her to often.  Don't sweat it to much unless you got a little boistrous and threatening on the phone.  If the police contact you explain exactly as you did to me in your question.  Apologize and do not call her back. It is a matter for your insurance company and the police.  If on the off chance charges are brought, still the same thing. You really can't deny you made the calls but you can explain.  I would not plead quilty instead if the charges are pursued ask about some type of deferrment of charges.  If you have no record most jurisdcitions will say don't cause problems for 6 months and we will drop everything.
If it really gets stressfull contact an attorney for an hour of their time and discuss the situation.

Hope this helps

robin