My neighbor just hit my car while backing out of our shared driveway. I live in a duplex with enough space for four vehicles, and as she was trying to make a right turn, she clipped the front end of my car with her rear tire. Now my bumper is hanging off, the headlight is scuffed, the fender is bent and damaged, the fog light wiring is ripped, the headlight bracket is broken, and several other components are likely damaged too. I called the police to file a report and document everything, but they said they couldn’t do much since it happened on private property. The driver of the truck went inside after the incident, and her aunt (the truck owner and insurance holder) came out to speak with the officer, assuring that they’ll file a claim with their insurance. I’m just 19 and this is my first experience dealing with an accident. Should I file a claim with my own insurance, or should I wait for the neighbor’s insurance to assess the damage?
Neighbor hit my car leaving the house.
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating! Since the other party’s insurance is going to be involved, you might not need to file a claim with your own insurance right away. However, it could be a good idea to notify your insurance company about the incident, even if you don’t plan on making a claim through them.
Here’s what you can do:
Document Everything: Make sure you have detailed records of the damage, including photos and any receipts for repairs or estimates.
Communicate with Their Insurance: Once you have the other driver’s insurance information, reach out to them. They will typically want to assess the damages and communicate with you regarding the next steps.
Claim Process: Depending on the outcome of their investigation and if they accept liability, you might be able to get the repairs covered through them directly.
Consider Your Insurance: Check your policy’s specifics about situations like this. There might be provisions that could help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses if the other driver’s insurance is unresponsive.
Legal Assessment: If things don’t progress smoothly, or if you’re feeling unsure, you might want to consult with a legal professional who can give you advice tailored to your situation.
It’s important to stay calm and organized throughout this process. Good luck!