Rear-Ended by an Uninsured Driver
I was rear-ended today while stopping to make a right turn off a freeway exit ramp. The impact was quite jarring, pushing my car about two feet forward. The other driver quickly approached my driver’s side door, apologized, and then revealed that he was young and uninsured.
I exchanged information with him, but we didn’t call the police right away. I later contacted the local police department to file a report and received a CAD number. Upon reviewing my insurance, I found that I have uninsured motorist coverage for medical expenses, but not for property damage. While I’m not overly worried about the car’s damage—as it appears minor with just a paint scuff on the bumper—there might be some frame damage since the seal around the hatchback opening is lifted and doesn’t seem to fit back properly.
About 45 minutes after the accident, I started to notice some tension and aching in my mid to lower back. Initially, I didn’t plan on seeing a doctor, but now I’m considering it. I’m uncertain about potential medical bills and coverage, and I’m worried about facing significant out-of-pocket costs. Any advice would be appreciated. It’s been around 11 hours since the accident, and I understand that feeling tense afterward is common. Should I wait a few days to see if the discomfort improves before scheduling a doctor’s visit?
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident. It’s good that you already filed a police report and collected the other driver’s information. Given that you’re experiencing pain in your back, it’s definitely wise to see a doctor sooner rather than later. Even if the pain seems manageable now, it’s important to get it checked out to rule out any serious injuries and to establish a record of your condition.
As for medical expenses, since you have uninsured motorist coverage for medical expenses, you may be able to use that to help cover your doctor visits. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider and discuss your options. They can provide clarity on what your coverage includes and how to file a claim.
Regarding your vehicle, if the damage to the frame is concerning you, you might want to get an estimate from a mechanic to understand the potential costs involved, even if you’re not overly worried about it at this point.
In short:
1. Schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
2. Contact your insurance for guidance on medical coverage.
3. Consider getting a mechanic’s opinion on the car’s frame.
Take care of yourself, and I hope you’re feeling better soon!