Out of Pocket or Insurance?
Hi everyone, I need some advice. I’m currently involved in a legal matter regarding an alleged rear-end collision from last year at a stop sign, where the other party claimed neck and shoulder injuries. I have a deposition coming up in three weeks.
Recently, while I was parallel parking, another car slowly passed by to avoid hitting me. As I was backing in, a second vehicle came in and scratched my driver’s side bumper and fender. They initially tried to leave the scene, but pulled over when traffic lights changed. I didn’t call the police but managed to get their contact details.
Unfortunately, I mistakenly took a photo of the wrong document, which turned out to be for a vehicle warranty, not their insurance info. I do have their name, address, phone number, and license plate number.
My questions are: will I be able to file a claim to get the damage repaired? Should I pay for the repairs out of pocket, which would cost about $5,000? And could the ongoing case I’m dealing with impact this situation? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve previously shared about the incident from last year. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation with multiple legal and insurance considerations. Here are some steps and insights that might help:
Insurance Claim Possibility: Since you have the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and vehicle plate number, you can still try to file a claim against their insurance, even though you took a picture of the wrong sheet. It’s important to reach out to them directly or through their insurance (if you can find out which company they are with) to report the incident and see if they can assist you with the claim.
Documentation: Make sure to document everything related to the incident, including the damage to your vehicle, any correspondence you have with the other driver, and anything else that can support your case. A detailed account can be beneficial if a claim is pursued.
Paying Out of Pocket: If the other driver is uncooperative or you’re unable to file a claim, you might have to consider paying for the repairs out of pocket. However, be sure to get estimates from reputable repair shops and weigh the cost versus the likelihood of recovery from the other party’s insurance.
Impact on Current Legal Case: Regarding your current legal matter, it could potentially complicate things, especially if it appears that you had another incident. It’s advisable to speak with your attorney about this situation as they can provide specific guidance on how to manage any potential repercussions regarding your ongoing case.
Legal Advice: Since you are already in a legal matter, it may be wise to discuss this new incident with your attorney. They can provide personalized advice based on the details of both incidents and your specific circumstances.
Consider Insurance: If you have your own auto insurance policy, check if it covers collision or has rental coverage, which might help cover immediate repair costs even while you sort things out with the other driver’s insurance.
Navigating these situations can be complex, so getting professional legal and insurance advice from your attorney and an insurance agent can help clarify your best path forward.