Auto Insurance Claims: At fault accident, layin, bodily injury

Question
About a year ago, I rearended someone while not having any insurance.  My insurance had only lapsed a couple of weeks prior. Long story short, I'm being sued by the insurance company both for the lady's car that I hit as well as her bodily injury claim.  I have a lawyer for the car claim, but just got the notice from her lawyer, letting me that im being sued for 30k.  What should be my first line of defense.  I do not have 30 grand layin around, and i know that this is not something that i should ignore.  Do I need to get an attorney, again, or represent myself?  what usually happens here?

Answer
Hi Karen,

You should contact the attorney you already used. However, if you are at fault for the accident, your only defense would be to try to settle for a lower amount. The problem there is you do not have the cash to pay the settlement. If this goes to court and you can not pay, the insurance company will receive a judgement which they will file with the county where you live. You can try to make a monthly payment arrangemet, but you will not be able to buy or sell a home or car until the judgement is satisfied. You should discuss any other options with an attorney.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh