While driving on a relatively quiet freeway at about 65-75 mph with a friend, the car in front of me changed lanes and hit some debris from a blown tire. The debris rolled into my lane, went under my car, and ended up damaging my front bumper and the area around my back tire (not sure of the exact name for that part). Since my vehicle is a 2024 model, it’s still quite new.
I didn’t panic, but I wasn’t sure how to proceed, so I dropped my friend off at her place afterward. I have video footage from the incident, showing both the front and back views in HD, which also clearly captures the other driver’s license plate.
Now I’m facing a dilemma: My sister advises against filing a claim with my insurance, suggesting it could raise my premium, while my cousin insists I should claim it since it wasn’t my fault. Another person suggested I contact the freeway authorities and have them go after the other driver’s insurance. What should I do?
I’m sorry to hear about your situation—that sounds frustrating! Here are a few options to consider:
Assess the Damage: First, take a close look at the damage to your vehicle. If it’s minor, you might decide to pay for the repairs out of pocket. However, if the damage looks significant, it may be worth making a claim.
Contact Your Insurance: Since you have video evidence showing what happened, it could be beneficial to contact your insurance company. Explain the situation and provide the evidence. They can guide you on the best course of action. Keep in mind that filing a claim may or may not increase your premium depending on your insurer’s policies and your driving history.
Consider Liability: Your cousin is right that, since the debris was caused by the driver in front of you, they might be considered at fault. Contact the other driver’s insurance company, especially since you have their license plate number and evidence of what occurred.
Freeway Maintenance: If the debris was a result of road maintenance negligence, you could potentially contact the freeway authority. However, this can sometimes be a lengthy process and might not be a guaranteed solution.
Weigh Your Options: Think about the costs involved—if repairs are expensive and you go through your insurance, yes, your premium might increase, but you also might recover costs related to the accident. If you decide not to claim, consider whether you’re comfortable covering the costs yourself.
Ultimately, it may be wise to start with your insurance for guidance. They can help you navigate the claims process and determine whether to pursue the other driver’s insurance. Good luck!