QuestionQUESTION: Ok, I'm in a bit of trouble, but before I say anything I will state that I am only 19 years old going on 20, I dropped out of highschool (Working on GED) and I live in the State of Tennessee; For information purposes.
New Years Eve, 2010
I was involved in a Car accident, Deemed at Fault; I guess I cant argue it was my fault, because it could have been avoided.
I was getting off a Interstate Off-ramp merging onto a City road, The lane I merged into was closed because of construction at the intersection, So I moved over one more lane to the left, I noticed The stop light was really hard to tell what color it was, So I slowed down and looked around for anyone who looked like they were going through the intersection (instead of just stopping like I should have). No one was coming so I proceeded through the intersection, as I did a man in a Blue Ford crossed the intersection and we collided...Was told my light was red and his was green. I had no insurance at the time, my insurance let me go a month prior due to me just simply me simply not being able to afford the bare minimum. I shouldn't have been driving I know but I was trying to make a quick sale of a car part to a friend for a little extra cash to help me get by. I received a ticket for a Accident along with a Financial Responsibility ticket (No insurance).
Few months later my license was suspended, as I could not pay the ticket along with a tail light citation I had received back in October. Once work picked up around May, I was able to pay off ALL of my tickets/fines, Bought a new car, (well not new, it was a 1000$ beater) and continued on with my life proud to be out of the hole!
Fast Forward about a year later I received a letter in the mail from the state that said I owed 4096$ due to that accident, and it needed paid in full by May 28th Or I would loose my license (which would quickly put me out of work because I have to drive in order to work my job). I called the state to confirm and they said it was about a Claim made against me by State Farm Through someone called "Bell Subrogation". They then told me If I can't make the payment in full by the 28th to contact them and negotiate some sort of agreement.
I followed up on this and did exactly that right away, I called them and they gave me a few options: Half today, half next month (are you crazy?) 600$ today, 600$ next month so on so forth(that's not far from what I make in a month.) or 1200$ down and 150$ a month payments (best option). I stated I did not have 1200$ and could not get it in any legal way by may 28th. So, in short they said see if you can find away and give us a call back.
Called next day and said; look, I have 20 some odd dollars to my name right now, but I get paid this weekend and I can give you 150$ or more. They basically laughed and then yelled at me like I was trying to insult them, So me being 19 I returned fire and turned into a big Argument/plead on the phone, which eventually ended in 1200$ down payment or you SOL as he hung up the phone (in short)
about a Hour later I get a call back from them, turns out to be the mans Supervisor following up on the argument. he asks me a lot of questions confirming things I said and yelling at me for them as the man I was previously on the phone with wrote them down; something interesting about that tho, Everything he wrote down That I said, was either Exaggerated, or just a flat out lie compared to what I actually told him and made me sound like a terrible person, Such as he wrote down I offered him a "dollar today and a 20$ on the weekend" What the hell? I told the supervisor I have the conversation recorded as do you because we both stated we were recording the conversation, so I can prove I did not say any of that. As expected he refused to Listen to me, He came at me with a final offer, 1200$ by JUNE 28th and 150$ down payments little better, so for now I said fine.
Here's the problem, I don't think I will have the money in time, I have bills coming up on the 5th (car insurance, Rent, Utilities) that will suck up almost every penny I've managed to save up since that conversation. I have spent as little money as possible, and sold a lot of personal items of mine to be able to have what I do, and also been trying to get a 2nd job. So far its hardly half of what I need!
So my question is this, if you are still reading this; In all of this, is there anything I can do to force them into a better negotiation that I can actually do or someway around or out??? I am doing my best to take responsibilities for my actions, But If I can't pay them I loose my license and I am screwed because I will more then likely loose my job as stated previously.
Any/All help will be greatly appreciated!!!
-Chris
ANSWER: Hi Chris,
Let me forst say that I was glad to read that you admit that the collision could have been avoided and that you have paid your fines and reinstated your drivers license.
Unfortunately, those fines and penalties wer tose of the state. When you have a collision with no insurance, you are still responsible for paying for the cost of the injuries and damage that you caused. This situation could have been much worse than the $4k that are asking for.
This is a situation that I may not be able help with but I will make some suggestions.
An insurance company does have the power to request suspension of your license whan there is an outstanding bill from an uninsured collision. You should contact your state DMV to see if thay can give you some information on the ins and outs of that process. Such as; can the insurance company refuse your attempt to make a payment arrangement? Is there a way to keep or get back your license under a hardship provision so you can at least drive to and from work?
If the above do not result in something positive, the only other thing I can think of is getting an attorney. Unfortunately, that also costs money that you do not have.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I should have specified that I this is not the insurance company that requested the suspension of my license but the collection agency hired by the Insurance Company.
I set up a payment on june 28th to be automatically with drawn from my avcount to be paid towards the debt. I thoufht i could come up with the money in time but it I do not see it happening, especially since my lease ends June 30th and so i have to find a new place to live and I am also being let go of my job July 10th, so now i have to save every penny and find a new home and job.
I requested a hearing about this situation with the state however it seems someone is dragging my their feet. Its suppose to allow me to have 90 days before my license suspension while they set up a hearing, however i have followed up on this request that i made almost a month ago twice now and the state hasnt done anything yet. Chances are I am driving on a Suspended license now.
If anyone has any further advice it would be much appreciated.
AnswerHI Chris,
It does not matter if it was the insurance company directly or the collection agency acting on behalf of the insurance company. They can request to suspend your license.
You need to stay on top of this. You may need to call the state every day or even several times a day until you get an answer. If the people that answer the phone can not help you then you should ask for a supervisor. Keep pushing until you get answers. If your license is suspended and you get stopped for any reason and they find out your license is suspended, you will go to jail. So you need to get this taken care of as soon as possible. When you finally get someone at the state to help you, you need to ask them to confirm everything in writing. They can either send you a letter or an email, but you need confirmation in writing. Do not take someones word that they will do what they said.
There is nothing else I can tell you. You just need to be persistant and try to get the best deal you can.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
