Am I in trouble?
I’m 19 and honestly feeling pretty lost right now. I’d really appreciate any solid advice you can offer.
I let my friend take my car to be the designated driver for some older friends at our state college, which is a busy area where lots of people shouldn’t be driving. While he was stopped at a stop sign waiting to go straight, an SUV with its right turn signal on came out of nowhere. The SUV slammed into the front of my car on the driver’s side. Turns out, the driver was drunk and got arrested. Throughout this whole incident, my friend never moved the car—he was completely stationary. I heard that the driver attempted to flee but ended up getting cornered by the cops into a parking lot.
Now I have to wait 2-3 business days for the police report before I can take any action, as advised by the officers. As a freshman in college, I’m already stressing about my upcoming $1300 monthly expenses for my car payment, housing lease, and other fraternity dues, not to mention just trying to make ends meet.
So, where do I go from here? Am I in trouble with my insurance or finances? Will I be compensated for the damage? The driver didn’t seem to have much money and has a slight criminal record; his bond was set at $1000, which feels pretty low to me. I also have photos of the damage for reference.
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation, but there are steps you can take to navigate this. First, let’s break down some key points:
Insurance: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Since your friend was driving and the other driver was at fault (being drunk and arrested), you should be covered under your insurance policy. Provide them with all the details, including the police report once you receive it. They will guide you through the claims process.
Documentation: Keep all records, including photos of the damage, the police report, any correspondence with your insurance company, and witness statements (if you have any). This will be helpful when filing your claim.
Financial Impact: Understand that your insurance may cover the repair costs, but your deductible might apply. If the other driver’s insurance is determined to be liable, your insurance may pursue reimbursement from them.
Legal Action: If you find that the financial outcome isn’t satisfactory, and you incur costs due to this accident, you might want to consult with a lawyer. They can advise you on your options, especially if the other driver doesn’t have the financial means to cover damages.
Communicate: Stay in touch with your network about your situation—whether friends or family—so they can support you, whether financially or emotionally.
Plan Ahead: Since you mentioned having multiple bills coming up, it may help to reevaluate your budget and expenses. Consider discussing your situation with your landlord or any organizations at your college that might offer financial assistance for students in need.
It’s important to remember that accidents happen, and while this is certainly stressful, addressing it step by step will help alleviate some of that pressure. You’re not alone in this, and seeking help from family, friends, or professionals can make a big difference. Hang in there!