Seeking advice on a recent auto accident incident
I was recently involved in a minor car accident in California. Both of us tried to merge into the same lane and, unfortunately, didn’t react in time, resulting in a scratch on the other person’s vehicle and barely any damage to mine. The scratch on my car was so minimal that it took me a moment to find it, while the other car had a noticeable dent and scratch on the door.
After the accident, I checked in on the other driver and their family, exchanged contact and insurance information, and we tentatively agreed to settle the matter out of pocket. Given the minor damage to my car, I asked him to send me a quote for any repairs needed on his vehicle.
However, two days later, I’m not receiving any responses from him. Additionally, I discovered that the insurance information he provided is expired and not registered in his name! I contacted my insurance company, GEICO, to report the minor accident. They advised me that if we’re aiming to resolve the issue without involving claims, I don’t need to file at this point but should keep them updated if I decide to take that route. Since the damage to my car is negligible, I’m inclined not to pursue any repairs, but I’m more concerned about the damage to his car.
Here are my questions:
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Should I wait for him to send me a quote, or is there anything else I should do? If he provides an estimate that’s unreasonably high, would my best option be to file a claim with my insurance?
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What should I do if he remains unresponsive? Should I just hold off on any action for now?
This is my first accident in 12 years of driving, and I want to ensure I’m handling this correctly to protect myself appropriately. Isn’t that what insurance is for?
It sounds like you’re handling the situation quite responsibly so far. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
Waiting for the Quote: It’s reasonable to wait for him to send you the quote, but since he hasn’t responded in a couple of days, you might want to consider reaching out again. If he eventually gives you a price that seems unreasonably high, you can certainly file a claim with your insurance. GEICO can help you determine if the quote is fair and guide you through the claims process if it comes to that.
If He’s MIA: If you don’t hear back from him after another attempt to contact, you have a couple of options. You could either give it more time or decide to move on. Since you have already notified your insurance, you’re taking a good precaution. If he continues to be unresponsive and you’re worried about potential liabilities down the line, you might want to formally document the accident by filing a report with your insurance just in case he later decides to pursue a claim. This will provide you with a record of the incident.
Ultimately, keep all your documentation (photos, texts, etc.) handy, as they could help clarify things if there are any disputes later. It’s great that you’re being proactive about understanding your coverage and responsibilities! If you have any further concerns, consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in auto accidents for added peace of mind.