RE: Audi content (fairly long)

["Perry, Christopher" <cperry@cotl.com>]

I hate to sound pessimistic but almost one year ago to the date I was
involved in a stupid accident.  A "gentleman" driving a ford
puntang(sorry if that is too vulgar for anyone, I'm still livid thinking
about this) with NO drivers license, NO insurance (Mandatory here in
Washington State) AND a warrant out for his arrest, decided to turn
across TWO lanes of traffic and into the left turn lane I was traveling
in.  Our cars collided nose to nose at about 10mph.  Totaled both cars-
definitely structural damage to his, mine was only totaled due to high
repair cost vs. "value".  

First thing he does is jump out of the car and ask if I have insurance,
walk around his car and conveniently get back in just before the police
get there.  Next thing I know they are putting this guy on a back board
and into an ambulance.  I was completely uninjured not even sore the
next day.

The next day I call my insurance Co and they inform me that this guy
already has a Liar-er Lawyer and is asking if our party accepts
responsibility for the accident.  Needless to say they laughed him off
the phone.

Two days later I return home from work to find my wife in tears as she
hands me court papers to the effect that this person is now suing me for
damage to his car, loss of work, medical care, etc.

I called my insurance company and they said that an attorney would be
contacting me in the next several days. It took a week, and when I
finally did hear from the guy he sounded like he had other things on his
mind.  

Anyway, to make a long story short (too late) the whole process took
nine months and I got $2,000 for my car - 85 4ks, fortunately I had
uninsured motorist coverage- and he got $12,800 for his "efforts".  

Other interesting details about this person; He had a history of driving
without a license that dated back to 1978, he had 3 children here in the
states and "several" illegitimate children in his home country, he had
been in a serious accident one year previous to our "interaction" and
had sustained injuries that he was still undergoing therapy for(can you
say pre-existing condition?), he has not been gainfully employed for 10
years(according to the IRS, no taxes), all in all a sterling individual.

My point?  Be as prepared for this as you can.  If you had any witnesses
find them.  If you think your appointed attorney is an idiot call the
insurance co. and see if they can find you another.  Sorry to say BTDT.

I wish you the best of luck.  These people are the reason we pay high
insurance rates.

chris perry
 
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