Robert Neal Katz’s Answers

You are allowed to collect both from medical payments coverage and from automobile liability insurance coverage. The medical payments carrier can seek reimbursement from your settlement with the liability insurance carrier, but can only recover reimbursement if you have been fully compensated for all of your economic and non-economic losses (ie: pain and suffering). However, the automobile liability insurance carrier may not discount your settlement based upon the fact you have medical payments...

I would start by investigating the settlement which occurred. I would start by speaking with your parent or guardian who negotiated the settlement. If this is not practical, your settlement had to be processed through the probate court in the county in which you resided or through a trial court. You can contact one of those courts to learn about the settlement and the proceeds. Likewise, you can contact the insurance company who paid the settlement. It is possible that your settlement was "...

Even if she reports it to her insurance company, there is some potential for you to have to pay for the damages if you were found at fault. However, if the accident was caused by the person who got in the car that night, you would not have to pay. You were not clear in your question on what caused the accident itself. In the end, it is more a practical issue. If you do not have the funds to pay and she wants her car fixed, she will have to report it to her insurance company, which is her...

I do not really expect anything more than a fine and some points on the license if he has no prior driving issues or criminal offenses. In an abundance of caution, you can bring an attorney with you to court. However, I would start by calling the court to determine what is the normal fine for this ticket with a person your son's age. You may find he can simply pay the ticket if you want to avoid the hearing. Although the judge may just waive the fine and any points given the nature of the...

I would strongly suggest you get an attorney. If you have to go to superior court, then you are likely charged with a felony. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you.

Although I understand you are frustrated, but there is very likely no apprpriate action against the dealer. Prior to purchasing any used vehicle, it is important to have an independent mechanic review the car or truck. Used vehicles are usually sold "as is" without any warranty or guarantee that it is mechanically sound. I think you can explain your story to the traffic court judge in an effort to reduce or eliminate your fine from the ticket. However, he or she may not be willing to offer you...

Although the nail salon may have been negligent, the level of damages is not likely sufficient to make the case worthwhile for you or an attorney to pursue. Absent a significant injury that involves substantial medical expenses or a permanent injury, most experienced attorneys will not get involved in your matter and it is unlikely that it is worth the financial committment by you to pursue.

Georgia does have a lemon law. However, only new vehicles are covered. Therefore, if your car was used when it was purchased, it is not covered by Georgia lemon law. For used cars, you must file a lawsuit to enforce the warranty if the company is failing to honor the warranty. I would encourage you to take your vehicle to another repair shop to see if they can solve the issue before taking other action.

While you may have a potential product liability action, it may not make practical sense for you to pursue the case if the damages are limited. If the incident is recent and occurred in Georgia, you will generally have 2 years to file suit. I would finish a bit more treatment. If you end up recovering without a permanent disability or requirement for long-term treatment, a well qualified product liability attorney will be unlikely to become involved in your matter.

Generally, claims for personal injury are settled without the need for a trial. In fact, 95% of cases are resolved without a trial. Therefore, I think it is unlikely that you will find yourself in a trial. Your insurance company will provide you with counsel who will handle the entire matter. You will only need to assist him/her with answering written questions (interrogatories), giving your deposition and, if necessary, attending a brief trial. You should relax about the situation and go about...