Car Accident – Potential Shakedown?
Hi everyone, I recently got into a car accident in DC that I believe wasn’t my fault. I was waiting at a light for a while, and when it turned yellow, I checked my surroundings and began to turn left. Suddenly, another driver sped up and crashed into the front driver side of my car, causing him to veer off and hit a curb, taking out a park bench, two small trees, and a trash can in the process. Thankfully, neither car had deployed airbags and no one was injured.
The police arrived and we both gave our statements, but when I received the police report, I found it lacking. It didn’t include any details in the statement section, there was no fault assigned, and the impact sketch was very basic. The officer mentioned he issued a ticket to the other driver for running the light and not having proof of insurance.
Since it seems the other driver likely doesn’t have insurance, I initiated a claim with my own insurance. I have a solid policy through Travelers that includes uninsured motorist coverage, with limits of $500K for bodily injury and $100K for property damage. Recently, I’ve learned that the other driver is now claiming to be injured—despite looking perfectly fine the day of the accident—hired an attorney, and is alleging that I “T-boned” him and that I am at fault. In reality, his vehicle was barely side-swept, and the damage stems from him crashing into those objects.
I’ve never been involved in an accident before, and now it seems it’s his word against mine, with no cameras at the intersection to back me up. Even if it’s determined that I hold some fault, or even all of it, I’m covered by my insurance. However, I can’t shake the feeling that he might be attempting to exploit my insurance to compensate for his own reckless driving and lack of insurance.
Has anyone had experience dealing with Travelers in similar situations? I know there’s a threshold at which they tend to settle, but I’m uneasy about the possibility of him receiving a payout that I’ll end up indirectly financing, especially since my premium might rise as a result.
It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating and concerning situation, especially since you’ve done everything right by being patient and following the proper procedures. Unfortunately, situations like this can sometimes lead to shady claims from other parties, especially when the other driver may not have adequate insurance.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: Make sure you have all the documentation related to the accident—photos, the police report, witness statements (if available), and any correspondence with your insurance company. Keep a detailed record of everything that’s happened since the accident.
Follow Up with Travelers: Keep in close contact with your insurance adjuster. Be proactive in providing any additional information they might need. Ensure they are fully aware of your side of the story and the fact that the other driver is claiming injuries after initially stating that he was fine.
Gather Evidence: If there are any businesses or residences near the intersection, consider asking if they have security cameras that might have captured the incident. This could provide further evidence to support your claim.
Consult an Attorney: If the situation escalates and the other driver continues to make false claims, consulting with an attorney who specializes in auto accident cases might be a good idea. They can advise you on how to protect your interests and potential next steps.
Stay Patient but Vigilant: Be prepared to go through the claims process, which can be lengthy and complicated, particularly if there’s a dispute over fault. Your insurance should handle the negotiation, but being informed and assertive can help ensure they advocate for you effectively.
It’s unfortunate that reckless driving can lead to these kinds of issues, and it’s understandable to feel that you’re being taken advantage of. Hopefully, with your solid insurance coverage and the evidence you have, the matter can be resolved fairly.