Posted on: 11-10-14 23:57:04
Hi,
Unfortunately, my car rear ended a van this evening. The guy cut into my lane just before a light. I tried my best to stop but still hit his rear bumper mildly.
His bumper had a few minor scratches and there was no other visible damage. My bumper has a big crack, the left indicator light came off and the plastic plate covering the number plate was shattered. A friend of mine was in his car in the next lane and he witnessed the whole scene.
This was my first collision in the last six years of driving. They other guy knew that he made a mistake of cutting into my lane but kept repeating that I bumped into him. The guy He said he didn't wish to contact his insurance company or go to the collision center if I was okay with that. As I was not sure how to react in the situation, I agreed but took his details (name, driving license number and insurance info) and left the place.
Now I feel that the situation is unfair to me. The guy cut in front of me, I have a witness, my car has suffered more visible damage that his and I am not getting any compensation for the damages.
What should I do in this situation?
Thanks.
You have 50/50 chances. The insurance appraiser can hold you responsible for 100% on fault or may decide to go for 50% on fault. If your loss is under $ 500, in my opinion, is not worth of going for insurance as it may go on record and may impact your insurance for next few years. Without informing your insurance company, find out the impact on your insurance from other broker and do your math to know if it is worth of.
Please update the CDs for your decision and final outcome as it may helpful to others too.
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A Delhite in Toronto
Quote:
Originally posted by RaOne
Hi,
Unfortunately, my car rear ended a van this evening. The guy cut into my lane just before a light. I tried my best to stop but still hit his rear bumper mildly.
His bumper had a few minor scratches and there was no other visible damage. My bumper has a big crack, the left indicator light came off and the plastic plate covering the number plate was shattered. A friend of mine was in his car in the next lane and he witnessed the whole scene.
This was my first collision in the last six years of driving. They other guy knew that he made a mistake of cutting into my lane but kept repeating that I bumped into him. The guy He said he didn't wish to contact his insurance company or go to the collision center if I was okay with that. As I was not sure how to react in the situation, I agreed but took his details (name, driving license number and insurance info) and left the place.
Now I feel that the situation is unfair to me. The guy cut in front of me, I have a witness, my car has suffered more visible damage that his and I am not getting any compensation for the damages.
What should I do in this situation?
Thanks.
If there is ANY damage to the side of his car, not just the back then you have a chance. It can be proved that he was changing lanes, when the accident took place & not just in front of you. Usually tire marks etc also prove that , but its too late for that.
I am assuming , you were in the right lane & he was in the left lane..and cut in front of you. If there is any damage to the right SIDE of his car and the left SIDE of your car , you have a chance. If the damage is just on the BACK of his car & FRONT of your car , it becomes a HE said , SHE said thing.
Otherwise, even if he cut you off , he can lie and say you just hit him from behind. There is NO way you can prove otherwise, and the insurance will just hold you responsible. I know its stupid, but that's how it is.
If this guy is relaible & not lying that he won't go to his insurance company, then I would just let it go. But you NEVER know , behind you back , he might go to his insurance company, he has 2 years from the date of accident to do that..after telling you not to go to your insurance company. Suddenly they start claiming WHIPLASH and what not.
I think your insurance company will hold you 100 % at fault or 50 % at fault, even if it wasn't your mistake. That's just how these guys work. It will go on your record and stay there for 6 years , increasing your insurance rates for the next 5-6 yrs .
Depending on the damage & cost to repair it & your deductible , I would just let it go..also depends upon whether the other guy is NOT really going to his insurance . Can you trust that ? Did he also take your info like DL, Insurance , Plate number etc ?
A lesson learned – one should install a dashboard cam to avoid such situation. A video can be a good evidence to prove you are not at fault. I am going to install one next week.
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A Delhite in Toronto
Delhite,
I am of the same opinion, a cam installation is kind of getting important, I was involved in an incidence recently in a parking area and we had to somehow agree on 50% mistake each, though I was convinced being not a fault. Luckily damage to my precious new car was minor (not visible), so I let it go.
In case you have done some research , please share the options, cost etc of camera.
Also is it DIY install ?
Still in process of research :-).
Yes - they are DIY install.
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-dash-cam/
http://dashboardcamerareviews.com/
http://sebtanic.hubpages.com/hub/dashcam-faq-all-about-dashboard-cameras
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-dash-cams/
http://www.techlife.net/2014/04/dash-cam-reviews-buyers-guide.html
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A Delhite in Toronto
If I were in the OP s shoes , I would report the collision and claim other party's fault as the other party cut in at the last moment and you have a witness to the situation.
If you feel that it is unfair to you , chances are that it is .Report the matter to the Police and they will do due diligence .... and figure out who the guilty party is ...
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Fido.
