My Car Was Damaged While Parked – Seeking Advice
Hey everyone, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I could really use some advice. Yesterday, I stepped outside my apartment and discovered that my parked car had been hit. It was pushed up onto the curb and into the vehicle behind me. Witnesses reported that the driver went from a full stop in the middle of the street to accelerating and crashing into my car from about 30 yards away. Thankfully, some neighbors witnessed the incident and prevented the driver from leaving initially.
They provided their information, so I reached out to the insurance company and filed a claim. I also filed a claim with my own insurance to have my car towed since I couldn’t open the door to move it, and honestly, I didn’t want to deal with it. I’m not sure if I handled everything correctly—my insurance did mention that I filed with both companies simultaneously, and no one brought up any issues. I have full coverage, but I’m bracing myself for the possibility that my car is totaled. I just got it back after being rear-ended on the freeway, which cost over $9,000 for repairs, and this situation is even worse.
What should I expect moving forward? I managed to obtain some Ring footage from the neighbors, and the police came to tow the other car and file a report. The driver, however, left before the police arrived. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds incredibly frustrating. It seems like you took the right steps by filing claims with both your insurance and the other driver’s provider. Here are a few things you can expect moving forward:
Claim Process: Since you have full coverage, your insurance company should handle the claim for you, and they might even cover the cost of the tow and other immediate expenses. Just keep in regular contact with them to stay updated on the process.
Total Loss Assessment: If they determine your car is totaled, they will usually assess its value based on market rates, taking into account factors like make, model, year, mileage, and condition before the accident. The payout you receive should be based on the vehicle’s fair market value.
Using Evidence: Having the Ring footage and the police report will be beneficial. Make sure to present this evidence to both insurance companies, as it can help establish the other driver’s liability.
Medical Claims: If you have any injuries or are experiencing discomfort as a result of either accident, it’s wise to consult a doctor and document everything. You may be able to file a claim for medical expenses as well.
Subrogation: Your insurance might pursue a subrogation claim against the other driver’s insurance to recover their costs if they determine the other driver is at fault.
Further Steps: Get all your documents in order, including any witness statements, photos of the damage, and correspondence with both insurance companies. This will help streamline your claims process.
It’s definitely a lot to deal with, especially having just gone through another accident. Stay organized and proactive in following up on your claims. Wishing you the best with the situation!