Auto Insurance Claims: insufficient property coverage, fire hydrant, property coverage

Question
I was recently involved in an auto accident. The other driver   was found liable but their policy only covers 10k property damage and my totaled vehicle was estimated at 13k. I have only liability and I'm being offered only 10k minus a damaged fire hydrant. How can I collect the rest and is it possible to make it up in the medical claim I've filed here in New Mexico ?

Answer
Hi Chango,

Since you have no collision coverage of your own, you only have two choices. You can either accept the $10,000.00 and be done with it or you would have to file a law suit against the other driver. However, if you win and if they do not have any money you will still only get the $10,000.00 from the insurance and you will have a judgement for the other $3000.00. It would then be up to you to try to collect the difference by garnishing his pay or putting a lien on his house if he has one. It is very difficult and yime consuming to try to collect on a judgement.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh