My car was hit, and trying to do the right thing backfired on me.
Here’s the quick rundown: I was making a left turn with a green light and a green arrow when a truck from the opposite direction turned right. Normally, this wouldn’t be a big deal since there are two lanes, but the driver drifted into my lane (the left one) and clipped the front of my car.
While the damage was minor and the driver admitted fault, he wanted to keep insurance out of it, so I agreed to get an estimate. That’s where things took a turn. He claimed he didn’t have the funds, proposed getting the parts, and fixing it himself. We went back and forth for weeks, and now he’s decided to involve insurance. However, his insurance company won’t cover my costs; it’s a “everyone for themselves” situation, or so he says.
On my side, I have dashcam footage of the entire incident, including a clear shot of his license plate right after the collision. I also have his name, address, phone number, and texts confirming he would pay for the repairs.
What I lack is his insurance information, which he flat-out refused to share during our last chat.
What should I do next? I can replace the fender myself, as I’ve done it before, so I could just get the parts and ask him for compensation. But I’m not optimistic about actually seeing that money, which might lead me to small claims court, or I could just let it go.
Alternatively, I could take the car to a shop, provide them with all the evidence (the owner used to be an insurance adjuster), and see if they can get his insurance information.
Or should I involve the police? I’m skeptical about what they would do at this point, but the video might help.
I really don’t want to go through my insurance, pay a deductible, and face higher premiums since the damage isn’t significant enough to warrant that. What do you think?
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, but it’s great that you have all the documentation, including the dashcam footage. Here’s how you can proceed:
Contact the Police: Start by reporting the accident to the police, especially since you have clear evidence from the dashcam. Even though it’s been some time since the incident, having a police report could benefit you if you decide to pursue claims or small claims court.
Gather All Evidence: Compile all the evidence you’ve gathered—dashcam footage, texts where he agrees to pay, and any other relevant documentation. This will be crucial if you end up needing to take legal action.
Attempt to Get His Insurance Info: Politely but firmly request his insurance information again. Explain that his refusal to provide it complicates matters and that you would like to resolve this amicably.
Evaluate Repair Options: If you’re comfortable and capable of doing the repairs yourself, getting a quote for the parts could be a good avenue. Present that estimate to him as a base for what he owes you.
Consider Small Claims Court: If he continues to refuse to pay or is unresponsive, you could take him to small claims court. The documentation you have should support your claim, especially the texts and video footage.
Auto Repair Shop: Taking the footage and evidence to a shop run by someone with insurance experience could also help. They might have insights on how to approach the situation or escalate things with his insurance.
Consult Legal Advice: If things get complicated and you’re unsure of your best course of action, consider seeking legal advice. Many times, a consultation doesn’t cost much and can give you a clearer understanding of your rights and options.
Ultimately, weigh your options and consider what method aligns best with your comfort level and willingness to pursue this further. Good luck!