HSBC tough case

Signed a personal loan with a "friend" of mine 5 years ago. When $13.000 check made out to both of us was ready, she pick it up, forged my signature and deposited in her bank account at Suntrust. After all the fights I went to several lawyers and they say it would cost me more to fight the case than the $13.000.
Also gave up trying to resolve this issue with Suntrust. They don't even know why one of their employees authorized a deposit of a $13.000 check without the second person being present or even called.
This woman ruined my credit, she has been paying the minimum balance only for all these years and she is 30, 60 or 90 days late very often.
HSBC offered me to settle for 50% of the total. I do not have that money. I'm desperate to get out of this terrible situation. I only have $3,000 max. That would mean to use my christmas bonus and leave my saving account in "zero" but I'm willing to pay it. What should I do?
Thank you

You have been scammed by your friend. You are legally liable for this loan. But the interesting part is that you have never got the money. This is why you should never trust anyone regarding money issues. Now, you are in a tough situation. No one will believe you. Ask your friend to settle the debt. If she refuses to do that, then I guess you'll have to settle it.

Have you tried going to the police? Signing another persons name is FORGERY and a criminal offense. I am assuming you have a copy of the check front and back.