The claims agent handling my personal injury case called me yesterday, informing me that the victim's father has finally responded. My policy limits were set at their minimums, meaning that the insurance company had been offering him $15000 to settle all of this. They have a two year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit, and I was fearing the worst, since such a lawsuit could theoretically bring me to bankruptcy.

Which isn't necessariliy a scary thing. I'm sure there are lots of 26-year-olds who have money issues.

But the agent informed me that the family was willing to settle the case if I paid an additional $5500. You have to understand that while I was composed on the phone, inside I had my arms held straight up to signify a good field goal. Combine this with the mere $36000 that I owe in fines, fees & restitution, plus the $20000 that I've spent already in the judicial process (lawyer plus my extended stay at Camarillo's worst motel), and I have to say that it's all chump change in the grand grand scheme of things.

This is a point that I've been trying to make during my group counseling sessions: after a certain point, the money no longer matters. I say that because "up to $10000 in legal fees" is bantered about as a deterrent to drinking and driving. This is a lot of money, especially to a kid barely paying his rent and struggling through junior college. But at some point during the process of Becoming Wiser, you no longer look at how much it costs, because you just want it to be over. That's how I feel at the moment. $5500 is a check I can happily write today if it means that one part of the nightmare is over. I can definitely feel the morning approach.