I feel really guilty after rear-ending someone today while stopped at a light. Their vehicle had a tow hitch with a large ball on it, and I stopped too late. My car only has a small hole, but they want to check on their hitch.
I feel terrible about the whole situation—I was on my third 12-hour shift and was exhausted, and I know it was my fault. Now I’m worried about my insurance rates going up if they report it. We didn’t call the police, but we did exchange insurance and license information.
What should I expect moving forward? If they do report it, could their rates go up as well? I have no idea what those tow hitches typically cost. Any advice would be appreciated!
It sounds like a really stressful situation, and it’s understandable to feel guilty after an accident. Here are a few things to consider:
Assessing Damage: If your car has a small hole, that might be a relatively minor repair. For the other vehicle’s hitch, they might not find any damage, especially if it’s a sturdy one. Some hitches are designed to withstand impacts without significant damage.
Insurance Impact: If they decide to report the accident to their insurance or file a claim, your insurance rates could potentially increase, especially if they pursue compensation for damages. However, their rates could also increase if they decide to file a claim, since insurance companies typically look at who was at fault in an accident.
Next Steps: It might be a good idea to document everything—from your side of the incident, including photos of the damage to your car, and any communication with the other driver. This could be helpful for claims or discussions with your insurance.
Cost of Hitch Damage: Tow hitch damages can vary widely, but they can sometimes be repaired relatively inexpensively if there is any issue at all. If they do report it, they’ll likely get estimates for any needed repairs.
Learning Experience: Going forward, consider taking a break or getting extra rest before driving long hours. Your safety and the safety of others on the road is so important, and fatigue can definitely affect driving.
Try to stay calm and communicate openly with the other driver. Accidents happen, and it’s good that you took responsibility by exchanging insurance information. Wishing you the best in resolving this situation!