Insurance or Out-of-Pocket – Seeking Advice
Hi everyone,
I’m currently dealing with a legal case related to a rear-end collision from last year, where the other party is claiming neck and shoulder injuries. I have a deposition scheduled in three weeks.
Recently, while I was parallel parking, a car in the adjacent lane slowed down to avoid hitting me. Just as I was backing in, a second car scraped my driver’s side bumper and fender. They attempted to drive away but pulled over when the traffic lights turned against them. We didn’t call the police, but I managed to collect their contact details.
Unfortunately, I took a picture of what seems to be the wrong insurance document, and I can’t find their insurance information—just the vehicle warranty details. I do have their name, address, phone number, and license plate number.
My questions are: Can I file a claim to have them cover the repair costs? Should I pay out of pocket for the approximately $5,000 in damages? Also, could the damage from this incident negatively impact my ongoing case? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. I previously shared about the incident from last year. Thank you!
It’s important to handle this situation carefully, especially since you’re already involved in a legal matter from the previous incident. Here are some points to consider:
Insurance Claim: You can certainly try to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance, assuming you can find their correct insurance information. Since you only took a picture of the wrong sheet, you might need to contact the other driver to get their insurance details directly, or you could look up their vehicle information, which might help you find the right insurance provider.
Out of Pocket vs. Insurance: If you choose to pay out of pocket, you’ll avoid potential delays and disputes with the insurance company, but $5,000 is a significant amount. Weigh your options carefully. If you can file an insurance claim successfully, it might be better financially to go that route.
Legal Implications: Regarding your current legal case, it’s best to consult with your attorney before making any decisions. They can advise whether this new incident might impact your ongoing case, especially if liability is disputed.
Documentation: Keep all records of the incident, including photos, any communications with the other driver, and receipts for damages. This documentation will be useful if you need to pursue a claim or if any legal disputes arise.
Consult an Attorney: Since you are already in a legal situation, discussing this new incident with your attorney would be wise. They can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances and help you navigate any potential complexities.
Take your time and consider all your options carefully before deciding how to proceed!