You guys. Seriously. You guys. My gawd. You thought we were done.
So, I just got off the phone with a lawyer from the father-in-law's car insurance company. Yes, lawyer and yes, insurance company.
Cast your mind back to two years ago, just short of one month of two years ago but let's say: TWO YEARS AGO.
When my father-in-law had a rear-ender car accident that resulted in his van being totaled. Shortly after that, he landed in the facility for the remainder of his life. Remember that?
*exasperated sigh*
The driver he hit is suing his insurance for nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
I mean...
I listened to the lawyer explain that he was just assigned the case and that the file is thick and he hasn't had time to glean much information other than the basic facts. He was calling me, as the Power of Attorney and point-of-contact to let me know that proceedings have begun to sue and to verify information.
I had to count to ten in my head before I replied, seriously. "Well, I have to let you know that he's dead. He died a month ago." My tone was calm but sniper calm.
He paused, gave the obligatory condolences, and says basically "This changes things but the PROCESS will continue regardless." He explains that they will go after the estate once the insurance pays out what the coverage states the limit is. ($100,000 btw)
I scoffed and said "Well, not only is he dead, he is broke. We had to spend every penny and sell everything he had to get him onto Medicaid and into a facility. Good.Luck.With.That. He is literally 'dead broke'."
He mentioned something about allegations so I asked him to elaborate. The driver is claiming that they have had $30,000+ worth of medical bills and is looking at $50,000 in additional medical bills for concussion, shoulder, and anguish plus loss of income. He was subtly eye-rolling the list as he was telling me.
I explained that was reported to me as: it was a simple accident. They were driving a luxury full-size SUV and that it seems like my dad's 15 year old minivan took more damage than they did. Also, that the insurance agent was on the scene afterward and reported that the other driver was hysterical to the point the first responders put them in an ambulance because they couldn't communicate with them. Then I encouraged the lawyer to please reach out to the insurance agent for details because again: my dad is dead.
So, if you did the math above, that is not $700,000 worth of medical bills. The insurance actually covers her medical bills and stated future medical bill estimate, AS SHOULD THIER OWN GDAMN INSURANCE. They are asking for $600,000 damages and all that.
Sigh.
The lawyer mentioned, a little derisively, that they had hired one of those As Seen On TV law firms and this is what they do; ask for much more than what is morally and ethically owed. He mentioned it, and of course I searched for them. It is definitely the bus-stop law firm.
Anyway, the lawyer mentions again that the insurance will cover up to $100,000 and anything over than that, the estate will have to pay. I laughed and asked "With what?" He said that was the thing, it should end there because the estate has no assets. But they can still try to bill the estate. TO WHICH, I said "Then I will pay them with monopoly money."
The lawyer paused, then laughed, and said "I will send you a stamp."
So, that just happened. There's nothing I/we can do but wait for the lawyers to fight it out and reach an agreement.
This is never going to end.
