Seeking Compensation for Time and Effort After Collision
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out for some advice regarding a recent incident. I live in Massachusetts and was hit by a car while riding my electric scooter; the driver was at fault. I’ve already located their insurance and filed a claim. The damages to my scooter amounted to $200, and I have an invoice for that.
I’m curious if I can seek additional compensation for the time and effort I spent getting the scooter repaired, as well as the inconvenience of commuting without it. I’m ideally looking for another $200. If this is a possibility, what kind of documentation would strengthen my claim? Just for context, I’m a salaried employee.
Also, I did sustain a minor injury—a strained back—which is documented, but thankfully I’m feeling better now and don’t intend to pursue any claims related to that.
Even if it might be challenging to make a case, do you think it’s worth pushing back? I’m wondering if they might settle just to avoid the hassle.
I’m fully aware that this situation is ultimately my responsibility to navigate, but I wanted to gather some insights before giving up. Thanks for your help!
EDIT: I realize some may view my request as selfish, but I want to clarify the context. The driver provided false contact information and fled the scene, which has added to my stress. I’ve spent hours dealing with police reports, tracking down footage, and trying to contact the driver—only to be ghosted after months of back and forth. Their actions have made this experience extremely frustrating.
If this had occurred in a car accident, I believe my insurance would have handled many of these issues, but now I’m on my own. With that in mind, I felt justified in asking whether I could claim a bit more (without pursuing injury claims). I understand if the answer is no, and I appreciate all the feedback!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation—it sounds frustrating. In Massachusetts, if the driver was at fault, their insurance is generally responsible for covering your damages, including repair costs for your scooter. However, claiming additional compensation for your time and effort can be a bit more challenging.
While it’s understandable that you want to seek compensation for the inconveniences you faced, insurance companies typically only cover direct damages, which usually includes the cost of repairs and possibly some reimbursement for other out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s what you could consider:
A record of the minor injury you sustained (even if you do not wish to pursue a claim for it).
Communicate with the Insurance Company: When filing your claim, you can mention the difficulty you faced and the time you had to invest, but be aware that it might be more challenging to receive compensation for this. Present your case calmly and clearly, and be honest about what occurred.
Consider the Minor Injury: Although you mentioned you’re not planning to pursue anything related to your strain, insurance adjusters might take into account the whole incident, including the injury, in assessing total damages. This could potentially work in your favor if you decide to ask for additional compensation.
Be Prepared for Negotiation: If you do ask for an additional $200, be prepared for the possibility that they might push back. It could be beneficial to frame it as a reasonable request based on the inconvenience you faced.
Assess Feasibility: Ultimately, it might come down to whether you feel comfortable pushing back against the insurance company. If they deny the request, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of whether it’s worth continuing to pursue this.
In short, while it’s unlikely that you will be able to claim additional compensation solely for your time and effort, presenting a well-documented case could sway the insurance company to consider a little extra. Good luck, and I hope you’re able to resolve this situation smoothly!