Rear-Ended at a Stoplight in California
Good morning,
I wanted to share what happened to me on my way to work. I was rear-ended at a traffic light, and after the incident, the driver who hit me pulled over. She apologized repeatedly, claiming she thought I would run a red light. We exchanged insurance details and phone numbers, but then she started texting me, pleading with me not to go through insurance. She offered to pay me $500 out of pocket if I agreed not to file a claim. I declined and decided to follow the proper procedure by reporting it to her insurance.
After a few weeks of waiting, however, they denied my claim, citing that I made an “unsafe lane change,” which I did not. I changed lanes from left to right and was in the process of stopping when the light turned yellow. The other driver assumed I would run the red light, leading to the collision. She hit the rear of my car, with most of the damage on the left side. I shared the text messages exchanged between us with their insurance company, and I argued that the claim of an “unsafe” lane change was unfounded, given the damage to my vehicle.
I’m now seeking advice on my options moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to read my story!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating. Since you’ve already reported the incident and the other driver’s insurance denied your claim, you have a few options to consider:
Appeal the Denial: You can formally appeal the denial with the other driver’s insurance. Present any evidence you have, including photos of the damages and the text exchanges that show her admitting fault.
Contact Your Own Insurance: If you have collision coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance. They may be able to cover the damages and handle the subrogation process with the other driver’s insurer afterward to recover the costs.
Consult an Attorney: If the damage is significant or if you’re dealing with injuries, consulting a personal injury attorney could be beneficial. They can offer legal advice on how to proceed, including potentially pursuing a claim against the other driver directly.
Small Claims Court: If the damage isn’t too extensive and you feel confident about your case, consider filing a claim in small claims court against the other driver for the damages incurred.
Stay Organized: Keep all relevant documents, like photos, texts, and any accident reports, organized. They’ll be useful whether you pursue the insurance appeal or go to court.
Remember, California operates under a “fault” system for car accidents, which means the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. Gather as much documentation as possible to support your case. Good luck, and I hope you get everything sorted out!