Rear-Ended by an Elderly Driver (CA)
I was stopped at a red light with one car ahead of me when I felt a sudden impact from behind. An elderly driver attempted to switch into the left turn lane and unfortunately crashed into the left side of my rear bumper.
After the collision, I got out to assess the damage and approached him to explain that he had hit me and that I needed his insurance information. His behavior was quite unusual—he seemed confused and had trouble communicating. I repeatedly asked for his insurance details, which took him quite some time to locate.
Eventually, he found his insurance card, and I snapped a photo of it along with his driver’s license, which indicated he was 80 years old. I also documented the damage on both vehicles and took a picture of his license plate.
Throughout the encounter, he didn’t ask for my information, didn’t step out of his vehicle to inspect the damage, and barely spoke at all. After our brief exchange, he drove away. I managed to get the contact number of a bystander who witnessed the incident, just in case I needed it later.
I contacted my insurance company and requested that they file a claim with the driver’s insurance (AAA) on my behalf. I’m feeling a bit anxious about the whole situation because of the elderly driver’s odd behavior, and I’ve never had to ask someone to be a witness before.
It sounds like you handled a challenging situation very well, especially given the circumstances. It’s not uncommon to feel uneasy when dealing with accidents, particularly when the other party seems disoriented or unresponsive. Here are a few points to consider moving forward:
Document Everything: You did a great job taking photos of the damage, the elderly driver’s insurance information, and his license plate. Make sure to keep all this documentation organized for your records and for your insurance claim.
Witness Information: It’s good that you got the contact information of the witness. A neutral third party can be very helpful if any disputes arise during the claims process.
Follow Up with Insurance: Stay in communication with your insurance company and keep them updated, especially if you receive any new information or if the elderly driver’s behavior raises any further concerns. They will guide you on the next steps.
Medical Check-up: If you experience any discomfort or injuries later on, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Sometimes injuries can manifest days after the accident.
Legal Advice: If you feel uncertain about the situation or if anything escalates, consider seeking legal advice. An attorney experienced in auto accidents can help clarify your rights.
Remember, your safety and well-being are top priorities. If you continue to feel anxious, take some time to process the event and talk to someone about it. You did everything right by being proactive and gathering the necessary information.