Auto Insurance Dilemma: Hit and Run Incident – Seeking Clarity
AutoInsurance #HitAndRun #ClaimAdvice
Location: California
My Questions:
- Is it risky to send photos, the requested diagram, and the witness statement to my adjuster?
- How can I clarify the diagram further?
- Should I include all photos?
- I’m looking to recover my $500 deductible and ensure nothing negative affects my record.
Incident Overview: (Photos can be viewed here: Incident Photos)
During a road closure, vehicles were forced to merge left due to cones set up by the police.
A white van, possibly trying to evade law enforcement, initially attempted to turn right toward the cones on a Friday night around 9 PM. Eventually, the driver realized they had to go left and ended up colliding with my car.
The photos I have were taken after the accident, once I reached the cones.
My insurance company is pursuing subrogation, but I suspect they might be looking for reasons to deny my claim. The police report states there is no evidence to support that the van hit my car.
I do have a written witness statement, although the witness does not wish to be contacted further. There was approximately $4,000 in damages.
In this situation, I was driving a silver sedan. My suspicion is that the van’s driver may have been under the influence, as they attempted to avoid the police and made erratic movements.
The witness stated:
“On 7/17, my daughter and I were driving home on Alicia. There was some sort of accident on Kite Hill, resulting in police shutting down the road. All three lanes were merging into the left turn lane, with cars not merging smoothly. Specifically, a white Toyota Sienna minivan was interacting with a silver sedan. We heard honking as they jostled for position. The minivan moved in front of the sedan, and shortly after, we heard a collision. The minivan made a U-turn and fled the scene, while the sedan also turned and pulled over. The officer was present, and we overheard the sedan driver informing the officer about the collision. We then completed our U-turn and continued on our way.”
Any advice or insights on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and dealing with auto insurance claims can be stressful, especially when it involves a hit-and-run. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
Sending the PICS, DIAGRAM, and WITNESS STATEMENT to your adjuster: Generally speaking, providing your adjuster with complete and accurate information, like photos, diagrams, and statements, should not harm your case. These documents can help support your claim and provide clarity regarding what happened. However, be cautious and make sure that you are not submitting any information that could be misinterpreted or used against you.
Making the diagram clearer: Ensure that the diagram includes clear labels for the relevant locations, including where the accident happened, the direction of vehicles, any road signs, cones, and the positions of witnesses. You might want to use arrows to indicate the direction of travel and include any relevant details that will help illustrate how the incident occurred. Clarity is key!
Sending all pictures: It’s typically a good idea to send all relevant pictures that help illustrate your case. This includes images of the scene, damage to your car, and any road signs or conditions that might have contributed to the accident. Make sure to highlight the pictures that best show the other vehicle’s involvement.
Seeking your $500 deductible back and ensuring nothing is on your record: You should definitely communicate clearly with your insurance adjuster regarding your expectations for the deductible and ensuring that no negative marks are placed on your record. If you believe you are not at fault, emphasize the witness statement and any evidence you have that supports your claim. It’s also wise to follow up regularly to keep your case moving and maintain communication about the status.
Given the circumstances, it might also be beneficial to consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in auto accidents to ensure you are protected and guided properly through this process. Good luck, and I hope everything works out in your favor!