Seeking Compensation for Time and Effort After a Collision
Hi everyone,
I recently experienced a collision while riding my electric scooter in Massachusetts, where I was hit by a car whose driver was at fault. I was able to find their insurance information and file a claim, but I’m left wondering about any additional compensation I might be able to pursue. My scooter was damaged, and I have an invoice for the repair costs, which totaled $200.
In addition to the repair expenses, I’m curious if I have grounds to request further compensation for the time and effort involved in getting my scooter fixed, as well as the inconvenience of commuting without it. I’m ideally looking for another $200 for these additional struggles. If there’s a solid case to be made, what kind of documentation would I need to support my request? Just for context, I have a salaried job.
It’s worth noting that I sustained a minor back strain during the incident, which I have documented, but I’m not looking to pursue any claims related to that injury.
Even if my chances seem slim, would it be worth it to push back against the insurance company in hopes that they might opt to settle quickly?
I understand this might be seen as a trivial concern, but I thought I’d reach out for advice before making any decisions. Thank you!
EDIT: I get that my post might come across as selfish given the response I’ve received, as if I’m simply trying to squeeze out extra money unethically. But I’d like to provide some context.
On top of dealing with the repairs, the driver fled the scene and left me with false contact information. I invested hours in filing police reports, obtaining security footage, and trying to locate the driver, only to have them disappear on me after months of attempts to communicate. At this point, I feel justified in my frustration and desire for compensation—especially since if this had happened while driving, my insurance would have typically managed most of the complexities for me.
While I’m prepared to move on, I thought it was reasonable to inquire about the possibility of claiming a little more without pursuing injury compensation. I appreciate the input I’ve received and understand the position I’m in. Thanks again!
I’m sorry to hear about the accident and the challenges you’ve faced in dealing with it. Here are some points to consider regarding your potential claim for compensation beyond the repair costs of your scooter:
Compensation for Time and Effort: In general, claims for damages typically cover tangible losses, such as repair costs or medical expenses, rather than compensation for personal time or inconvenience. While your time and effort in dealing with repairs and tracking down the driver may feel significant, it can be difficult to quantify and prove in a claim.
Document Everything: If you decide to pursue additional compensation, document all the time you spent dealing with the situation. Keep a log of the hours spent, what you were doing (filing reports, calling insurance, etc.), and any related expenses you incurred.
Leveraging the Injury: Since you mentioned a minor bodily injury, even if you’re not pursuing a claim for it, having documentation of the injury might support your case in negotiations. However, be cautious about how you frame this, as insurance companies can be wary of claims that might appear inflated.
Negotiate: When presenting your claim to the driver’s insurance, be clear and concise about why you believe you’re owed additional compensation. While it might be a long shot, you can certainly ask. Sometimes insurance companies will settle for a bit more just to resolve the case quickly.
Insurance Dynamics: The reality is that insurance companies often won’t compensate for personal inconvenience unless there is clear legal basis. However, given the circumstances of the accident (the driver’s actions, your efforts in tracking them down, etc.), it’s certainly worth making your case.
Pushback: If you feel strongly about it, you can certainly advocate for yourself. Just be aware that larger settlements can take time, and there’s no guarantee of success. You might consider discussing your situation with a legal professional, who could provide more tailored advice based on the specifics of Massachusetts law.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated in this situation, especially given the driver’s behavior. Good luck, and I hope you find a resolution that feels just.