Possumblog

Perhaps the local gendarmes that took the accident report would like to be aware of your difficulties contacting this driver. Maybe they would like to re-contact that person for some further writing- in their citation book, for not having their papers correct.

And that might help get you the real information you need.

I already tried that once--they seemed genuinely disinterested.

Ouch! Chapter 2 isn't getting off to a very good start. Time for an attorney's help? I hate lawyers (the profession, not necessarily the people). I hope your situation improves, but it doesn't sound good.

The cops won't care much, particularly as they would have to track down information on an out-of-state driver. You could complain to the Police Chief about the sloppy work performed by the officer at the scene of the accident, but it would not help you with what's coming up.

This seems to be one of those bad situations where you'll have to trust the Lord will not only see you through (hopefully not too painfully wallet-wise) but will give the ... ahem ... scofflaw her just desserts. And I don't mean ice cream.

Hopefully the good that can come out of this is your loyal and devoted readers will take extra time to get the right information after a car accident and not rely on the police officer to get everything right.

I like lawyers, Bill, but I can't think of anyone who would be willing to pursue this, seeing as how they'd have to rely on recovering their fee from the other driver, and that potential seems frighteningly low.

If only she'd ruined my pants, I could sue her for $59 million.

Marc, I think my only hope of enforcement concern is going to be with the state. We have to file a report anytime there is property damage over $250, and if the other party does not properly file, she would be in danger of losing her (invalid) license. But maybe with the state on my side, I might be able to eek out some compensation. Or not.

As for getting accurate information, I should have asked for something, but even then might have been fooled, too. One thing to remember is a person might have what appears to be a valid insurance card, but there are some people who will only have insurance long enough to get that card with the nice expiration date on it, then turn around and cancel their insurance. They've got no insurance, but since apparently the police don't check to see if a card is valid, it appears they're clear. And same thing with the driver's license. She would have given me the same information as she gave the cop, but I would have had no way of knowing it wasn't legit until later.

Seems law enforcement agencies would be interested in doing a bit more checking at the scene to make sure driver's licenses, registration, and insurance are all valid. You know, being tasked with enforcing laws and all.

Yeah, I know--silly me.

Man, I was so lucky with my little escapade last month. My bright bulb decided to make a left turn across oncoming traffic. Fortunately with a sharp right turn and my standing on the brakes we only had rubbed fenders. She has insurance and I just got the check last week.

Well, I'm glad to hear it worked out, Sarah. Good thing it wasn't a lot worse, too. It pays to drive defensively.

Terry,

Sorry about the incident. www.zaba~search~.com is a

good way to try to find people. Even in other states.

Thanks for your blog

Sine Nomine

remove tildes above.

Thanks, Sine--yes, I've thought about going that route, and it may come to that. I do have some leverage in that I know she's a UAB student and works at Brookwood.