Auto Insurance Claims: Subrogation Claim Auto Accident, subrogation claim, driving without insurance

Question
Hello,

My son who is 20 was in an auto accident,  it was his fault and he had no insurance at the time.  The police were called to the site but there were no citations given.  My son received in the mail a Subrogation Claim for $6,825.94 from a collection service representing the other party.  They want him to pay all or make a payment plan.   Not sure what to commit to on this.  We have never been in this situation.  What do you suggest and what are my son's rights.  He is a college student and works part time.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Brenda,

I do not think you will like my answer here, but I have not been known to sugarcoat anything.

I can not give legal advice because I am not a lawyer. If you need to know about your son's rights, you will have to consult an attorney.

I was brought up taking responsiblity for any of my actions. I would never think about driving without insurance. Not for my benifit, but for the benifit of others.

Granted, it is a difficult way to learn a lesson, but what if the other party was injured or killed?

I would suggest making payment arrangements. I have known some who had legal obligations like this that turned into a judgement and then see the wages garnished.

It may take him ten years to pay this back, but it is a lesson in life that should stick with him and maybe help in making him a responsible man.

I know you are looking at him as your kid and that is fine, but you can't be with him each and everytime he screws up.

I have personally been involved in these issues and from my experience the more the kid is coddled, the more he takes help for granted. I know of one 27 year old that can barely function on her own because she has had mom there all the time.

Good luck to you.

Rob