Q: I was involved in a car accident a little over a year ago. Unfortunately, the accident was my fault although, fortunately, I did have pretty high limits on my insurance coverage at the time. I have now received a letter from an attorney, claiming that she represents someone who was a passenger in the car that I hit and that this passenger was injured in the accident. I definitely do not recall anyone being hurt in the accident or requesting medical treatment immediately afterward. I am naturally quite concerned. This has never happened to me before. What should I do with the letter?
A: Rest assured that this is not at all uncommon. You should, however, immediately turn the letter over to your insurance company and let your insurance company respond and handle the matter. My guess is that the attorney who sent you the letter asked you, in that letter, to do just that. Chances are the letter also asked for your insurance information, including the limits of coverage on your policy. This is a very standard request. As you yourself note, you have good insurance coverage. One of the reasons that you have obtained that coverage and paid the premiums associated with it is to protect you in the very situation that you are now in. Your insurance company will communicate with this passenger’s attorney, investigate the merits of the claim and, if necessary, settle that claim. If a lawsuit is filed, the insurance company will appoint an attorney, at no cost to you, to represent and defend your interests. Again, this is an example of your insurance premium dollars at work. You need to let the insurance company do what it is required, by virtue of its policy with you, do.