My question involves a traffic accident in the State of: California
I hold North Carolina licence, just moved to Upper state New York.
I went to travel in CA and rented a car from Buget. It was just for 8 days. I own a car, but registration was expired earlier this year, I haven't had time to go back to North Carolina to handle that, I just canceled my policy and haven't been driving for a while. So I didn't have any insurance of my own. I didn't purchase any insurance from Buget either.
Last morning, I was on the way to the airport to return the car and fly back to New York, I hit a car in front of me while we were turning on the right turning lane. He was stopped, I stopped too, and he start going when the light turned green, then suddenly stopped again, that's when I hit him. It wasn't that very seriously since we both very slow.
I left him my information, and said I need to catch my flight, I'll be pay for his damage, but I don't willing to go through the insurance. He needed to go to work, so we didn't call the police.
I didn't sign up anything, just took a picture of his car, and left.
When I return the car, Buget people didn't find the problem, so I don't know if I'll still facing any charging in the future. But I know I do have a rental car insurance from the debit card I used to rent the car.
Then this morning that guy I hit gave me a massage said he's asking for $5000 for the settlement, $3300 to replace the bump, $700 to rent a car for 7 days, $1000 for the doctor. I honestly told him I only have $2000 on my account, so I can give him $1500, that's all I can do.
Then I got a call from his insurance company said it's all on me, and asked me some questions, and said they will mail me the documents.
What am I expecting at this point? If this insurance company give me a number I couldn't afford, what could I do? Will I get sued or it will go to the collector? Is it illegal to driving a rental car without insurance? Will I get sued by the police or will my licence be suspended?
It's my first accident, I'm sooo worried about it. Any suggestion what should I do? Do I need a lawyer to help me go to the court if it's in CA? or do I need to fly back? how about if I cannot afford the flight ticket???

