Dispute with a Third-Party Insurance Company
On February 8th, I parked my car outside a Miller’s Ale House, only to have it struck by a truck parked adjacent to it. The restaurant manager informed me about the incident and directed me to the truck’s owner. When I approached him, he admitted fault and offered me $200 to cover a new bumper, which was the only damage. Uncertain about the cost of repairs, I felt uneasy accepting his offer and suggested we let the insurance handle it. He agreed and his wife showed me a screenshot of their insurance information from Dairyland. However, the truck involved wasn’t listed, though she reassured me it was insured. I took down the truck’s license plate, and that was the extent of our interaction.
On Monday, I contacted their insurance to file a claim. After answering several questions, they provided me with the name of the adjuster and a reference number. Days later, the adjuster reached out for further details and requested pictures of my car from various angles. After not hearing from her for a while, I called today and learned they couldn’t reach the other party because, as she put it, “Since the police weren’t called at the time of the incident, we have no direct means of contacting them, so we’re at the mercy of them reaching out to us.”
Having grown up outside the U.S., this is my first encounter with a situation like this. In hindsight, I realize I may have mishandled things. I chose not to call the police because the truck owner appeared to be drinking at the Ale House and was with his family, and I wanted to avoid any unnecessary drama. Perhaps that was a mistake. I did manage to get a photo of his license plate and his wife’s name and address, but I didn’t get his phone number. I also have the restaurant manager as a witness.
I’m feeling incredibly frustrated. I feel like I mishandled the entire situation, and my beautiful Miata now has a noticeable dent. I shouldn’t be held responsible for this! What are my options? Should I consider suing the truck owner? I don’t understand why the insurance company can’t get in touch with them—could they have provided incorrect insurance information? I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this. Help me out, Reddit!
It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating situation, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given that this is your first experience dealing with insurance after an accident. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
File a Police Report: Even though time has passed since the incident, you may still be able to file a report. Provide all the details you have – the other driver’s information, photos of the damage, and any witness statements from the restaurant manager. This report could serve as official documentation that may help your case.
Follow Up with the Insurance Company: Since the adjuster mentioned they haven’t been able to contact the other party, you could follow up with them to see if there’s anything you can do to help expedite the process. Sometimes being persistent can lead to faster results.
Contact the Other Party: If you have the other driver’s name and address, you can attempt to reach out directly. Politely ask if they can provide their insurance details again or if they’d be willing to speak with the insurance company on your behalf.
Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence you can such as photos of your car, the truck’s license plate, the restaurant’s contact information, and any witness statements. Documentation can be very valuable.
Consider Small Claims Court: If all else fails, you might consider taking the matter to small claims court. This can be a good option if you’re seeking a specific amount for the damages and you can provide adequate evidence.
Consult a Lawyer: If you’re feeling lost about how to navigate the situation, it could be worth consulting a lawyer who specializes in car accidents or personal injury. They can provide you with legal advice based on your specific circumstances.
Stay Calm and Patient: Insurance claims can often take time, but keeping a level head and staying organized will help you as you continue to navigate this situation.
Take care, and hopefully, you’ll be able to resolve this soon!