Auto Insurance Claims: sued in an auto accident, assests, attornies

Question
On Nov. 6th, 2006 I was involved in an accident. It was rush hour so traffic was stop and go most of the way. I was going 20mph. I hit a car who then hit another car. The first car I hit is not suing me, but the car they hit is. My policy limits are 25000/50000. My insurance offered 8500 for bodily injury to the other party. But then I was served with notice that I am being sued for 30000. Should I pass on the suit to my insurance company? Or do I get my own lawyer. I have minimal assests and am really scared.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Alexis,

You should turn the suit papers over to your insurance company immediately. As part of your policy, your insurance company will provide you with a defense attorney. It is unlikely that this will actually end up in court. The attornies will likely reach a settlement agreement before if gets that far. This is simply a way for the other attorney to "rattle his sword" in an attempt to get a bigger settlement.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh