Well, I already felt like a moron... and now much more so. I'd like some advice, even if it's bad news so I know what to expect. This was my first and will be my only car accident (not sure if I'm willing to get back into a car, I'll see how that goes).

Very recently my car collided with an 18-wheeler on a city road. No other vehicles were involved (except the lovely individual who indirectly caused the accident and subsequently sped off without seeing if anyone was alright). My '03 vehicle I thought was okay, hell I even drove it out of the way of oncoming traffic. Then I saw the right side of it. I'm no expert but when I owe 6000 on a 9000 value vehicle and the damage is about 7000, that can't be good. The only thing I'm aware was damaged on the truck was the gas tank. Apparently even though I've no idea where one is on a vehicle that large, I hit it. They closed off the road because of the diesel spill. The truck driver, my boyfriend and I was not physically hurt, but I succumbed to hysterics and cried nearly the whole time I was at the scene of the accident. I received some odd ticket for failure to yield right of way. Apparently my boyfriend reported that they'd harrassed him since I was unable to find the tangible object that is my license in the state I was in... they kept telling him, "come on make it easy on us and just tell us that she doesn't have a license". I most certainly do, though I admit it was out of state and does need to be changed over to the new state I live in. Finally the officer just had me tell him my license number, not believing I actually have one. I was wondering why they insisted so, any ideas?

Today I go to call my insurance company and find out that they lovingly sent me a pleasant e-mail notifying me that my coverage was lapsing due to non-payment (what? an email?) they subsequently cancelled my insurance almost a month ago. Now I don't know what to do about the car or any potential liability. I'm glad nobody was hurt, but I'm concerned about what they might try to do to me. I don't own a house, honestly that car was about all I had as an asset.

I considered bankruptcy due to the sheer amount owed and what-not, but I'm also concerned about the impact on any litigation the truck company's insurance might attempt. I honestly make about 34k a year, and have debt of 18k including the car. In savings all I have is about five hundred dollars.

Any advice? I made a mistake in permitting my bills to overwhelm me, and then I had an accident. I'd rather not shoot myself in the other foot as well if bankruptcy would just make matters worse.

Thanks for your time and assistance.