I rear-ended someone today at a stop light, and I can’t shake the guilt. Their vehicle had a tow hitch with a large ball, and I stopped immediately, but unfortunately, my car ended up with a small hole as the only visible damage. They want to check the condition of their tow hitch.
I feel really awful about it. I was on my third 12-hour shift and totally sleep-deprived—clearly my fault. Now I’m worried about my insurance rates going up if they report it. We didn’t call the police, but we did exchange insurance information and licenses.
What can I expect moving forward? If they file a report, will their rates go up too? I’m also unsure about the cost of those tow hitches. Any advice would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation—it sounds really stressful. Accidents happen, especially when you’re exhausted from working long shifts. Since you exchanged insurance information, it’s good that you can coordinate next steps. Here’s what you can expect:
Damage Assessment: The other driver will likely inspect their tow hitch to see if there’s any visible damage. The cost to replace or repair a tow hitch can vary, but it’s generally not too expensive unless there’s extensive damage.
Reporting to Insurance: If they decide to report the accident to their insurance, that could potentially impact both of your rates, especially if a claim is made and it’s determined that you were at fault. However, not all accidents lead to significant increases—insurance companies consider factors like prior driving history, the severity of the accident, and whether or not a claim is made.
Communicating: If they seem concerned about their hitch, it may help to keep the lines of communication open. Discuss how you both feel and come to an agreement on resolving any repair costs amicably.
Consequences: If they do decide to file a claim, your insurance may cover the repairs to their hitch, depending on your policy’s coverage. Just report the accident to your insurance company as well, even if they don’t file a claim.
Ultimately, focus on taking care of yourself and getting some rest. Many people have been in similar situations, so you’re not alone in feeling guilty. Make sure you’re supported through this and consider discussing it with your insurance for further clarification on how it might affect you.