Tapped someone at 2mph in a parking lot, now there's a bodily injury lawsuit — help?

Oh man, I went through almost the exact same thing two years ago. Super low-speed bump, other driver was fine until they weren't. What I learned the hard way: the moment an attorney gets involved, treat everything seriously even if the accident felt like nothing. Don't assume the claim will just go away because the impact was minor.

That letter about releasing your policy limits is actually a bigger deal than it sounds. Once the other side knows your limits, their attorney can use that number as a target. I'm not saying don't do it — sometimes it's required — but you should at least understand why they're asking before you sign anything. Your insurance company has its own interests, which aren't always perfectly aligned with yours.

I used to work claims for a major carrier. Policy limit disclosure requests are pretty standard in represented claims — the plaintiff's attorney wants to know if it's worth pushing hard or if they should settle quick. Here's the thing though: your insurer is generally obligated to defend you up to your limits, but if the claim exceeds those limits, you could theoretically be exposed personally. That's rare in a low-speed parking lot situation, but it's worth understanding your exact coverage before you authorize anything. Call your insurer and ask them to walk you through what happens in each scenario.

Just to give you some process context — when an attorney sends a limits disclosure request, your insurance company typically has to respond one way or another depending on your state's rules. The letter they sent you is them covering themselves legally by looping you in. That said, you have every right to ask your insurance company questions before responding. Ask them specifically: what are my options here, and what are the consequences of each? They may not be able to advise you, but they can explain the process. If you're feeling uneasy, a free consult with a personal injury defense attorney isn't a bad idea — some will do a quick call at no charge.

Not doubting you, but a few things would help clarify: Do you have any documentation of the pre-existing damage on their bumper? Did the police come, and if so is there a report? Any chance there's parking lot camera footage? Those details matter a lot if this actually goes anywhere.

I'll say this gently — whiplash from very low-speed impacts is genuinely a real thing medically, even if it looks suspicious here. That said, refusing an ambulance on scene and then claiming serious ongoing injury later is a pattern that insurance companies and attorneys know how to scrutinize. I wouldn't assume the claim is automatically fraudulent, but the circumstances you're describing would definitely raise flags in a medical review.

Not legal advice, but: the policy limits disclosure question is legitimately something you should get clarity on before acting. In some states, failing to disclose limits in bad faith can expose your insurer to liability beyond your policy — which is actually in your favor to understand. Your insurer should be motivated to handle this correctly. If you feel like they're not communicating with you adequately, you have the right to retain your own attorney to protect your personal interests alongside your insurer's defense. Again — not legal advice, just things worth asking about.

Stop asking your roommate and your mom. Call your insurance company tomorrow morning, ask for your claims adjuster by name, and get answers directly. Then if you're still unsure, do a free consult with a PI attorney. That's it. Two phone calls. Don't lose sleep over what-ifs when you haven't even gotten the actual information yet.

I know it feels huge right now but honestly — this is exactly what you pay premiums for. Your insurer is going to handle the bulk of this. A lot of these represented claims, especially on minor impacts, settle way below the scary numbers people imagine. You're not alone in this and it probably won't end the way your anxiety is telling you it will.