I was referred to this forum from a finance forum I frequent. Based on what I've read here, this seems like a simple case, but I would like confirmation. I live in California. In 2005 I was involved in a car accident (other driver ran red light). I was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The case was settled through my insurance company (I believe the other driver was uninsured). Fast forward to a week ago. I received a letter from a collection agency for the ambulance ride from the fire department for about $500. At the time I never received a bill and don't remember signing or agreeing to anything related to the ambulance ride. Based on what I found researching, it appears this debt is out of SOL. Is this correct? Also, can the collection agency ding my credit (I have over 700 and I want to buy a house soon, so I don't want a ding)? Should I respond / call the collection agency and dispute the collection? Any guidance is appreciated!
I'm not a lawyer, but it looks to me like the SOL has passed on this debt. That won't necessarily stop the CA from trying to collect on it though. And yes, they can report it as a collection on your credit reports. Have you pulled your credit reports to see if it's showing up on any of them. If so, you may want to try disputing it through the CRAs first. Remember, if you pay anything, it will restart the SOL.
