Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, April 24, 2013
(ANDERSON) - Some lessons cause pain.
Adrienne Broaddus of WISH TV8 reports that's the story for an Anderson woman who didn't have insurance when a man driving a stolen city ambulance crashed into her parked car.
Police say that man, Joseph Sandlin, also hit four other vehicles. At the time, Wilson didn't have any insurance.
"I don't feel like I should have to still suffer because my insurance lapsed," Wilson said. "Not having my car is really detrimental to me. With my health conditions I have missed doctor's appointments."
Wilson's car was parked in front of her home on the 1700 block of Main Street. Wilson wrote the city a letter asking her for help. But she wasn't thrilled with the following response:
The City of Anderson is victim in this incident, also. We have sustained over One Hundred Thousand Dollars in damage to our ambulance. We are very sympathetic and empathetic to you regarding your property loss; however, insurance companies exclude coverage when criminal activity is involved. The ambulance was stolen and thus this was a non-permissive use.
Your recourse would be to turn your damages into your personal insurance company. Again, we are all victims in this matter and we extend to you our deepest empathy.
Meanwhile, the assistant attorney for the city, Richard Walker, says his team will do some research to see if Wilson and others impacted by the crash are eligible for compensation through the state's Victim Compensation Division.
"If any person is a victim of a ( violent) crime it is available to citizens of the state of Indiana," Walker said. "Any of these people who have been injured and don't have private insurance can apply."
The state's website highlights a long list of requirements.
Wilson, who was relieved when we shared the news, hopes she and her neighbors are eligible.
She says she has learned several lessons following the March 29 crash. She is also taking responsibility for her actions. Wilson said she will never let her insurance lapse again.
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