Florida - worst state ever

Damn.

So I'm being sued. Over a year ago, I was in a fender bender in which I bumped into the back of the worst Flordia driver I've ever met. Well, I didn't actually meet her. I only met her daughter who was in the passenger seat, calm as can be after the accident, v. friendly. The mother was in hysterics. The collision was not harsh, and my insurance company covered the damage done to her car. The worst that I think could have happened is whiplash, which I think I should have gotten if the bump was that severe. But I didn't. Not even a bruise from the seatbelt.

So now, over 15 months later, they are suing me for possibly over $50,000 in medical expenses. Ho-ly shit. I know this because $50,000 is the limit of what my insurance company will pay under my plan, and they're telling me I should get a lawyer b/c they can't cover it all. Geico has been great, by the way. They came out to my home and took pictures of my car, in case this goes to court, and they're super-friendly on the phone. And although my insurance rates went up 6 months ago, I just got the renewal papers and they went down this time. Hurrah! Yay Geico! They're always awesome on the phone, too. I only wish they could beat some sense into these selfish Florida jerks.

These people were driving a really nice car. And I followed them at 10 mph in a 35 zone for a nice, long time, before they pretended to merge, allowing me to think I should check my blind spot and merge myself, if there was time. I did think there was time. Apparently they didn't. So they stopped, and I rammed them. Clearly my fault (even though we could have made it easily), but I seriously doubt that these people sustained major injuries from this small accident.

They saw me - polite, local driver. They saw my car - a 1989 rusted Acura. They saw my clothes - far from what your typical doctor/lawyer/richie-rich girl would be wearing. Why are they trying to milk me for fifty grand? I AM POOR.

Now, if these people actually are injured somehow, and it's somehow my fault, and they're making expensive, weekly trips to the hospital, and they need this money, then I feel guilty. I do. However, I have a hard time believing that something's happened that their health insurance isn't covering. But the bottom line is this: No matter what's wrong with them (mentally, morally, or physically), no matter whose fault it is (from this 15-month-old accident? From clumsiness a year later to which they don't want to admit or claim responsibility? From their imagination?), no matter what these hospital bills are, no matter how guilty I feel, and no matter what the right thing is to do, I do not have this money. In fact, I have a NEGATIVE amount of money. That's right, I'm in the red. By a LOT. It'll probably take me 10 years to pay off the debt I already have. What's going to happen if I go in the hole another $50K? Unless I win the lottery or marry a prince, I'm looking at not having children or owning a home. Ever.

Thanks, Florida. For your outstanding citizens and your stellar voting record. Now fuck off.