Hit Twice and Ghosted by Their Insurance
This incident took place over a year ago. I was driving my girlfriend and her coworker to work when I pulled over near the curb to let them out. At that moment, another driver began to reverse and, despite my honking, he collided with my car while my girlfriend and her coworker were inside, witnessing the whole thing.
When we got out to assess the situation, the other driver was uncommunicative and possibly didn’t speak English. We called the police, but they took over an hour to arrive, and the driver even attempted to leave the scene. I followed him for about half a block, at which point he stopped and backed into me again. His “son-in-law” showed up, presumably after being called, and tried to convince me that I was at fault, claiming there was no proof and that the police wouldn’t show.
Eventually, the police arrived, and the other driver started to act like he was having a heart attack. They called an ambulance, and the EMTs didn’t seem impressed. I got the police report that stated: “V1 STATES HE WAS PARKED WHEN V2 WAS REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPOT COLLIDED CAUSING DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER. V2 STATES HE WAS TRYING TO TAKE A PARKING SPOT WHEN HE COLLIDED INTO V1. V2 CLAIMS THAT V1 WAS NOT THERE AT THE TIME HE WAS REVERSING. V2 DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO BOOTH MEMORIAL FOR CHEST PAINS. PO DIDN’T WITNESS.”
Afterward, I obtained the other driver’s insurance information from the police report and filed a claim. Their insurance company told me to get a quote from a specific auto shop. I visited the shop, and they promised to call me with the estimate, but I never heard from them again. Despite multiple follow-ups, they never sent the quote, and the insurance company stopped answering my calls after weeks of trying.
I have liability insurance with Geico, who advised me to file the claim with the other driver’s insurance, which had NJ plates. They requested that I add my girlfriend as a secondary driver due to us living together. However, she doesn’t have a driver’s license and has never driven my car. I explained this to Geico repeatedly, but they sent several letters and emails about the matter. Eventually, they dropped me without me realizing it for nearly a month, leading to a fine from NY for driving without insurance. After paying the penalty, I searched for new insurance but faced difficulty finding coverage due to the gap and the reported accident. The only option available was to return to GEICO, who increased my liability rate to nearly $400 a month, which I’ve been paying since.
I’m looking for advice on how to recover the damages caused to my car by the other driver. Any insights would be appreciated!
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience; it sounds incredibly frustrating! Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve this situation:
Document Everything: Make sure you have all your documentation in order, including police reports, any correspondence with the insurance companies, photographs of the damage, and any quotes from auto shops. This will help strengthen your case.
Follow Up with the Insurance Companies: Since the other driver’s insurance has been unresponsive, continue following up consistently. Try to get in touch with a supervisor or a claims manager if the initial representatives are not helpful. Be persistent and keep records of each interaction, including dates, times, and what was discussed.
File a Complaint: If the other driver’s insurance continues to ghost you, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They can investigate the matter and may help expedite your claim.
Consider Small Claims Court: If you can’t get the insurance to settle your claim, you might consider filing a claim in small claims court against the other driver. Collect evidence and be prepared to present your case clearly. You’ll want to show that the other driver was at fault and that you incurred damages due to their actions.
Consult an Attorney: If the situation becomes too complicated, you might want to consult with an attorney specializing in auto accidents or personal injury law. They can provide legal advice and may be able to help you navigate the claims process more effectively.
Look into Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Depending on your new insurance policy, you may have coverage that could help with your damages if the other driver’s insurance fails to pay. Check your policy details.
Stay Calm and Organized: It’s easy to get frustrated in situations like this, but staying calm will help you more effectively communicate with the involved parties.
I hope these steps help you get the compensation you deserve for the damages to your car! Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out for further support if needed.