Car Accident: Is it a Scam?
Hello everyone, I recently got into a car accident in DC that I believe wasn’t my fault. I was waiting at a traffic light, and when it turned yellow, I began to make a left turn as it seemed clear. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another driver sped up and crashed into the front driver’s side of my car, driving onto a curb and knocking over a park bench, two small trees, and a trash can in the process. Fortunately, neither car’s airbags deployed, and luckily no one was injured.
The police arrived, and we both provided statements, but when I received the police report, it was quite lacking—there were no statements included, no one was named at fault, and it contained only a basic sketch of the accident. The officer mentioned he ticketed the other driver for running a red light and for failing to provide proof of insurance.
Since it seems that the other driver likely doesn’t have insurance, I initiated a claim with my own provider, Travelers, which has solid uninsured motorist coverage along with $500K for bodily injury and $100K for property damage. To my surprise, I just found out that he is now claiming he was injured (even though he was walking around fine and assured me that he and his passenger were okay right after the accident), hired a lawyer, and is claiming that I “T-boned” him and that I am at fault. Actually, his vehicle was barely scraped, and the damage is primarily from his reckless drive over obstacles.
I have maintained that I am not responsible for this accident and already provided my statement to my insurance adjuster. I’ve never been in an accident before, and now it feels like it’s his word against mine, especially since, to my knowledge, there were no cameras at the intersection.
Regardless of how fault is determined, I’m well insured, so it shouldn’t affect me too much, but it doesn’t sit right with me that he might exploit my insurance to cover his own recklessness and lack of insurance. Has anyone had a similar experience with Travelers? I know they have a threshold for settling claims, but I can’t shake the feeling that this individual is trying to profit from this situation, which could also lead to increased premiums for me. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and I can understand your frustration. From your description, it seems clear that you were following the traffic rules while the other driver acted recklessly. The fact that he is now claiming injuries and trying to shift the blame onto you raises some red flags, indicating that he might be attempting to take advantage of the situation.
In terms of your insurance company, Travelers generally has a good reputation for handling claims, but every case is different. It’s crucial that you continue to provide them with all the information and evidence you can, including the police report, your statement, and any details about the accident scene. You might also want to gather any witness statements if there were people nearby who saw the incident—that could support your side of the story.
Since you’ve never been in an accident before, it’s understandable to feel unsure about the process. It may be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in car accidents, especially since the other driver is now pursuing legal action. They can help guide you on how to navigate the situation and protect your rights.
Lastly, make sure to document everything and keep track of any communications regarding the claim. While it’s unfortunate to think that your premium might go up due to someone else’s negligence, being well-insured provides you with some level of protection. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your adjuster if you have more questions or need clarification on the process. Good luck, and I hope this gets resolved in your favor!