I rear-ended someone today, and I’m starting to second guess my decision. Here’s what happened: a girl crossed the crosswalk, causing the car in front of me to slam on its brakes. I reacted quickly, but ended up hitting him. My car sustained minor damage, and his car only had a small dent on the license plate. He mentioned that he wasn’t concerned since his car was older, so I thought it was unnecessary to exchange insurance info, especially since I’m the one who hit him and my car faced most of the damage.
From what I understand, since I was at fault, my insurance wouldn’t cover my damages and it might even lead to higher payments (please correct me if I’m mistaken). When I told my mom about the incident, she was upset that I didn’t at least get his license plate, as she wants to report it to the insurance company. I’m hesitant, though, because I believe that would just result in increased premiums without covering my damages (again, correct me if I’m wrong).
What do you think I should have done? This was my first time actually hitting someone in traffic, and I’m unsure of the right steps to take.
It sounds like you’re going through a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel unsure about what to do. Here are a few pointers that might help clarify your options:
Insurance Reporting: You are correct that if you are at fault, your insurance might cover the damages to the other person’s car, but it could lead to a rate increase when you renew your policy. However, reporting the accident is typically important, regardless of fault. Insurance companies can often help mediate the situation and handle claims.
Documentation: Even if the other driver seemed okay with the minor damage, it’s always a good idea to get their contact and insurance information, as well as document any details about the accident (date, time, location, photos of the damage, etc.). This can help protect you in case the situation escalates later.
Legal Requirements: Depending on where you live, there might be legal requirements to report an accident to law enforcement or insurance companies. Not doing this could potentially create issues for you down the line.
Future Risks: The other driver might not care about the damage now, but he could decide to leverage this incident later, especially if he develops any unforeseen issues related to the accident. It’s better to have everything documented.
Consult Your Insurance: It might be a good idea to contact your insurance company to discuss the incident. They can provide guidance specific to your policy and situation.
In situations like this, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s great that you recognize the importance of handling it properly now. Going forward, it may be wise to approach accidents with more caution regarding documentation and communication, even if it seems minor at the time.