Auto Insurance Claims: claim denial (non-cooperation), fender bender, devistation

Question
i was involved and at fault in a fender bender. I have the minimal full coverage required by state. I reported the accident to my insurance company, they called at a later date to try and set up an appointment to take a picture of my truck. unfortunately the timing was bad and i told them i would call back but i never did and its been six months now and i received a letter of denial to cover damages of other guys vehicle. i understand the importance of cooperating and i am fully ready to do so now but is it too late? they included in that letter that i may be personally sued for all damages. please let me know if there is anything i can do at this point. thank you, Brenda

Answer
Hi Brenda-

Without seeing the letter it's hard to say.  I would call the insurance company and talk to them.

Any time you are at fault in an accident you can be sued for damages of anything not covered by the insurance company.  The average jury award for accidents involving injuries in 2005 was over $400,000. If you have state required minimums the rest would come out of your income and your wages could be garnished of up to 25%.  That is why not having the proper liability/bodily injury limits could cost you a lifetime of financial devistation.  

Sheldon Maughan
Sacramento, Ca