marine fenders
Can I still use a JAG if I am on the TDRL?
I’m a temporarily retired Marine, (TDRL).
I had a bit of a fender bender auto accident while on base of Walter Reed Medical Center. I was using the gym there.
Anyways, I don’t want to do anything fancy. Just pay for the damages. It’s my fault. But I don’t want to get insurance involved.
Can I use a JAG because I am still on the TDRL, or will I have to use a civilian attorney?
Sorry Marine. The JAG doesn’t take civilian cases. They might give you some advice, but it depends on the particular JAG officer. What they do for retirees is limited to mostly writing of wills, notary public certifications, and some legal advice when dealing with DFAS.
If you want to pay for the damages without filing an insurance claim, contact the other party and get the process rolling. They will need to get an estimate of the repair cost and you will need to go with them to make payment. If their vehicle is out of commission or a while, you may need to rent a car for them as well. If they do not trust you to do the payment, you may need to hire a lawyer as intermediary between you and them. Just be cautious that you are not soaked for damages that you did not cause. It is possible that cost of you fender bender could be more than you think.
If they have reported the accident to their insurance company, there may be a computer record already established showing you had an accident and that you were at fault. From my own experience, the insurance companies, especially USAA, checks the centralized database that all insurance companies use. They may not pay for the repair if you and the “victim” do not file with them, but they may still ding you on a rate increase (my case was a speeding ticket that I had forgotten about – had a rate increase because of it).
LtCol, US Marine Corps – Retired
fastfender available at marinemart.com
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