by ddlee1178 » Fri Sep 26, 2014 05:56 pm
I have lived overseas for the last 10 yrs but decided to visit family. While I was in Washington, DC driving a rental car with no insurance (except for the rental car) from Virginia, I was waived through gridlock traffic by a seemingly helpful driver, but was blindsided by an oncoming car (from Maryland) as soon as I entered traffic. It was deemed my fault by the police and I received a traffic citation. The driver that hit me had his car totaled and was sent to the emergency room only to find that he had no injuries other than a sprained hand.
He lawyered up and went after Enterprise rental car company. They settled and now Enterprise wants to subrogate and charge me 25k in medical costs and 8k for the property damage. Should I hide in rural Africa where I live and make very little money? Should I try to negotiate to reduce the cost and set up a payment plan? Will they even negotiate with me? Or should I expect to pay $200 dollars per month for the rest of my life? Also, my Vermont driver's license is still linked to my parents house in VT (ie I'm technically a legal resident at their home) - might their insurance cover me even though I'm not listed on their policy?
He lawyered up and went after Enterprise rental car company. They settled and now Enterprise wants to subrogate and charge me 25k in medical costs and 8k for the property damage. Should I hide in rural Africa where I live and make very little money? Should I try to negotiate to reduce the cost and set up a payment plan? Will they even negotiate with me? Or should I expect to pay $200 dollars per month for the rest of my life? Also, my Vermont driver's license is still linked to my parents house in VT (ie I'm technically a legal resident at their home) - might their insurance cover me even though I'm not listed on their policy?
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 07:11 am Post Subject:
driving a rental car with no insurance (except for the rental car)
Enterprise wants to subrogate and charge me 25k in medical costs and 8k for the property damage.
I'm guessing by this you mean that you had no insurance... Enterprise had the required insurance.
You signed a contract that stated you'd be responsible for the damage to the rental. So I think you'd be on the hook for that. However, I think you'd be considered an insured under the Enterprise policy and perhaps they don't have a right to go after you for the $25k. I'd recommend speaking to an attorney.
You may be covered under your parents policy. You may want to pay an attorney to review all of this information.
As far as paying it or not... you ever planning on living in the US? If not, then you might not be concerned about it. However, there is a slight chance Enterprise could have your VT license suspended. However, what you owe to Enterprise is only a debt. It's no longer the liability of the accident itself.
I'd start by asking Enterprise to send you information showing that you owe both amounts.
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 09:46 am Post Subject: thanks
Thanks Tcope! I appreciate the advice. I hope you're right!
Best,
Daniel
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