Auto Insurance Claims: judgement, lump sum payment, fender bender

Question
hello a couple 2 years ago I was in a fender bender it REALLY was the other guys fault but my insurance had lapsed at the time of the accident since then I never haerd anything figured since it was the other guys fault all was taken care of until recently I was pulled over and was told my license was suspended long story short i went to the court house and found out I had a judgement against me from nationwide the other guys insurance they had mailed copies to old addresses I no longer lived at now I am being told by nationwides attorney I have to pay the judgement in full 47916.00 The court house stated it was only 3000.00 can they do that? I'm upset as it is that I have to pay this but when I was talking with the attorney in order to get the letter to reinstate my DL I have to pay 200.00 down 75.00 a month plus 11% interest how can they do that? Is there any way I can get this cost down?
What would you suggest I do I cant afford an attorney

Answer
Hi Chad,
It's your responsibility to keep your address current with the post office and your state department of motor vehicles.

When an insurance company has to take court action against you to get a judgement for damages, if they win, they are also entitled to recover the court costs and their attorney fees.

In order to get your license back, you either must make a lump sum payment or enter into a settlement agreement for a down payment + monthly payments.  The insurance company can also charge interest, although most companies don't charge interest.

Many times the insurance company is willing to negotiate and accepe a settlement as low as 50%

Only you can continue negotiating with Nationwide for a lower down payment, a lower monthly payment and a lower rate of interest (or interest free).

I hope that you find this information to be of help.

Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area