About six months ago, I was in a car wreck with another party. The whole thing is a blur to me. I have only ever been in one car crash, and it was with a sweet old lady who helped me through it. This time an old man hit me from behind, we pulled over to the nearest parking lot, he and his 40 year old daughter got out to reprimand me (as if it was my fault). I was really nervous, and they did a very good job of making me feel bad about it. The first thing I asked when I got out of the car was if everyone was alright. Both said yes, and proceeded to walk around checking damages, gathering my paperwork (they refused to show theirs), and acting very hostile towards me. And then they were gone. I got a call two weeks later from my insurance company saying the old man was claiming injuries. Bare in mind, this wreck occurred at less than a 5mph differential between the cars. So, I was surprised. I couldn't do anything, so I let it sort itself out (or so I thought). I got a call six months later. I thought the case was closed at this point. My insurance company (Allstate) said they were researching the case. Apparently, the man had racked up over $100,000 in medical claims at this point. My insurance only covers $100,000, so I am liable above and beyond this point. I am terrified, and feel I have been hustled.
I really shot myself in the foot a few days after the wreck, because in my ignorance, their insurance called me up and I answered everything still feeling a sense of guilt for no reason. I can't explain why I expressed any guilt at all, except for the fact that I was still feeling bad about being scolded by this man.
My insurance company is currently fighting the case, and I think they mentioned something about getting a lawyer. I have a witness who has never testified who was in the passenger seat, who is much more sure of herself and knows exactly what happened.
I've limited this post because I'm not sure of what I can say on an internet forum, but I am really scared. I have saved $170,000 over 4 years preparing for early retirement (blood, sweat, and tears), and now I feel it may be taken away by a fender bender with a dishonest man. I guess I'm asking what usually happens in these cases? How good are insurance companies at protecting themselves (and me) in these cases?