Rear-Ended at a Traffic Light in California
Good morning everyone,
On my way to work today, I was rear-ended at a stoplight. The driver, a young woman, and I pulled over to exchange information after the incident. She was very apologetic and mentioned that she thought I was going to run the red light. We exchanged insurance information and contact numbers.
Shortly after, she began texting me, asking me not to file a claim with insurance. She even offered to pay me $500 out of pocket to avoid the process. I declined and opted to report the accident through her insurance company instead.
After a couple of weeks of waiting, I received a denial of my claim. They stated that I made an unsafe lane change, which I firmly believe is untrue. I did change lanes from left to right, and as I was merging, the light turned yellow. I eased on the brakes to come to a stop; however, she assumed I would run the red light, leading to the collision. The damage to my car is mostly on the left side, which contradicts their claim of an unsafe lane change.
I have provided the insurance company with the texts between the two of us as evidence.
Now, I’m seeking advice on what my options are moving forward. Thank you for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your experience; it sounds quite frustrating. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Gather Evidence: Make sure you have all the relevant evidence organized—this includes taking pictures of the damage, the accident scene, and any other evidence that supports your account of what happened, like witnesses if there are any.
Document Everything: Keep copies of all communications with the other driver and the insurance company, including the text messages where she apologizes and her request to settle out of pocket.
File a Claim with Your Own Insurance: If you have collision coverage, consider filing a claim with your own insurance company. They may be able to help recover costs from the other driver’s insurance.
Challenge the Denial: You can formally contest the denial from her insurance company. This often involves submitting a demand letter outlining your account of events and why you believe their decision is incorrect based on the evidence.
Consider Mediation or Legal Assistance: If you’re not making any progress, you may want to consult with a legal professional, especially one who specializes in personal injury or car accidents. They can help you understand your rights and options moving forward.
Potential Small Claims Court: If you’re unable to resolve the matter through her insurance and believe you have a strong case based on evidence, you might consider filing a claim in small claims court to recover damages.
Make sure to stay persistent and keep records of everything as you pursue this matter. Good luck!