Hi everyone, (long-time lurker here using a quick-made account for this post). I’m in a difficult financial and legal situation and could really use some guidance. On November 15, 2024, I was involved in a DUI accident while working as a delivery driver (not alcohol-related). I fully acknowledge that driving under the influence was a serious mistake. The reason I ended up in that situation was that I took drugs to cope after a traumatic work incident, where someone flashed a knife behind my back the previous week. On the night of the accident, I was working with the same person again, and I made the wrong choice in handling my stress. I deeply regret my actions. Since then, I have complied with all legal and rehabilitation requirements—attending therapy, DUI courses, and adjusting my medications—and I’ve made a complete turnaround in my life. During my delivery shift, I hit another car (a 2024 Toyota Highlander), but thankfully, no one was injured. My insurance initially handled the claim, but now Wilber Group has purchased the debt from the insurance company and is demanding $25,000 from me. My Financial Situation: • I am a student and will not have a steady income for the foreseeable future. • I am on disability due to hearing impairment and mental health conditions. • I currently make $17/hour, working 24 hours per week. My Questions: 1. Can I negotiate this debt down to 10-30% of the amount owed? Since debt collectors often buy debts for less than their full value, is it realistic to settle for significantly less? 2. Can they take any of my assets or garnish my wages? Location: Minnesota, and I’ve heard there are exemption laws, but I’m unsure how they apply to my situation. 3. What is my best strategy for dealing with this debt? Would negotiating a lump sum settlement be my best option, or should I try for a payment plan? 4. Could bankruptcy help me discharge this debt? Would a DUI-related accident debt like this be wiped out under Chapter 7 bankruptcy since I have no significant assets and low income? 5. Could recent tariff increases on cars affect the amount I owe? Since the Toyota Highlander I hit was a 2024 model, and the incident happened before April 2, 2025, could the recent tariff increases on imported vehicles have inflated the amount Wilber Group is demanding? If so, how can I challenge that?