Other driver's family is threatening to sue me and claiming they have video — am I screwed?

I went through something almost identical — other driver's family member doing all the talking, threatening lawyers, the whole thing. In my case the 'surveillance footage' never materialized. Sometimes people say that stuff to pressure you into paying without them having to actually prove anything. Doesn't mean you should ignore it, but don't panic and write a check just because someone drops the word 'attorney.'

The 'we have you on tape' line is one of the oldest pressure tactics out there. If they actually had damning footage, their attorney would probably just file and let it speak for itself in court — they wouldn't be having a family member text you about it. That said, don't be dismissive either. Start gathering your own documentation NOW. Your photos, a written timeline of exactly what happened, any witnesses you remember seeing. Even if you can't get surveillance after the fact, your own evidence still matters.

A few things worth knowing: small claims court is actually designed for people without lawyers — judges are used to hearing from regular folks. Your photos and a clear, organized account of events carry real weight. Also, even if they do file, you'll get notice and a court date, so you'll have time to prepare. As for surveillance — it's worth one pass at nearby businesses even now. Footage retention varies but some places keep it for 30-60 days. Might still be worth asking, especially if there's a gas station or pharmacy nearby that might have had a decent angle.

Not legal advice, but the attorney you spoke with gave you reasonable guidance — wait to see if they actually file before you do anything drastic. A lot of threats never turn into actual lawsuits, especially in small claims where the amount at stake is low. If they do file, many areas have legal aid clinics or self-help centers at the courthouse that can walk you through the process for free or low cost. Don't sign anything or agree to any payment plan without understanding what you're signing away.

Worked in claims for years. When a family member — not the actual driver, not an attorney — is the one sending threatening texts, that's a tell. A real attorney would be communicating through proper channels, not through a third party via text message. I'd stop responding to the daughter entirely and just wait to see if anything official shows up. Responding to informal pressure can sometimes work against you.

I'm not the legal expert here but just want to say — the stress of this kind of uncertainty is real and it takes a physical toll. Whatever happens with the case, make sure you're not neglecting yourself in the meantime. Sleep, eating, getting outside. A clear head will help you handle this better than running on anxiety.

Okay real talk: go make a written record of everything while your memory is fresh. Exact position of both cars, direction of travel, what the lane markings looked like, any signs or signals. Draw a diagram if you have to. If this ends up in front of a judge, the person with a clear organized story almost always does better than the person who's vague and scattered. You have photos — that's a solid start. Build on it.

What does 'ended up in the same lane' actually mean — did you merge into her or did she merge into you? That's kind of the whole ballgame here. The fault question might be clearer cut than you're making it sound, and knowing that changes how worried you should actually be.

This sounds so stressful, I'm sorry you're dealing with all this on top of everyday life. I don't know anything about legal stuff but it sounds like you've already done more than a lot of people would — you have photos, you talked to a lawyer, you're being thoughtful about it. That counts for something.