Seeking Advice on Accident Encounter
This morning on my way to work, I was in the right lane approaching an intersection when a driver in the left lane signaled to turn left. As I entered the intersection, they unexpectedly attempted to cut across two lanes and collided with my left side, damaging my door.
After the accident, I pulled over and the other driver got out. He acknowledged that he was at fault since he struck me on the side. There was an auto body shop nearby, so I asked him if he wanted to go through insurance or settle privately. He opted to pay out of pocket. When I suggested $2,500 as a fair amount for repairs, he thought that was too high. To settle the dispute, we consulted the body shop, which provided a repair estimate of $4,000 to $5,000. The other driver then offered $2,000, and we agreed. He sent the payment via Venmo to my brother, as I don’t use that app.
However, a few hours later, the driver called me claiming that I had taken advantage of him, stating his body shop could fix the damage for only $800. I told him that I didn’t want to use his mechanic because I was uncertain of the quality and suggested we stick with our previous agreement or go through insurance if he preferred. He continued to pressure me over the phone, insisting that $2,000 was excessive.
What should I do now? I realize many might recommend going through insurance, but I’d like to avoid a rise in my premiums. What are my best options moving forward? Thanks for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your accident—those situations can be really stressful. It sounds like you handled things well right after the incident, getting an acceptance of fault and a quote from the body shop.
Given that the person who hit you initially agreed to pay $2,000 and has now changed their story, you have a few options:
Stick with the Agreement: Since you already have a written or verbal agreement for $2,000, you could insist on that amount. Make sure to document all communications, including his calls and messages, as this can serve as proof of your agreement.
Consider Insurance: If the person continues to harass you or backs out of the deal, going through insurance may be the most straightforward solution, even if you’re concerned about premiums. It’s better to have the repairs done properly than risk ongoing disputes.
Get Your Own Quote: You could get a quote from another reputable body shop to understand the real costs of the repairs. Having multiple quotes can give you a better stance if you end up needing to argue your case.
Be Cautious About Future Payments: If the gentleman wants to pay for repairs through his shop, be cautious. Problems could arise if you go through a shop you don’t trust—ensuring quality repairs is essential.
Consult Legal Advice: If the situation escalates, consider seeking advice from a legal professional who can help navigate the details of a verbal contract and understand your rights in this situation.
Ultimately, prioritize getting your car repaired correctly and try to communicate openly with him to resolve the matter. Good luck!