Understanding Your Options After a California Car Accident Without Full Information
Recently, I experienced a minor collision while approaching a stop sign. A driver pulling out of a parallel parking spot collided with the front passenger side of my vehicle, damaging the door. Unfortunately, the driver refused to provide their driver’s license or insurance details.
Here’s a summary of what happened:
– I called the police, but they informed me that if no injuries occur, an officer might not need to respond.
– We exchanged phone numbers and addresses, and I documented the scene thoroughly with photos of the damage and the other vehicle’s license plate.
– I shared my insurance info and driver’s license, but the other driver has since ceased communication.
After returning home, I filed a claim with my insurer, Geico, and am awaiting guidance. However, I have several questions about what to do next:
Should I continue trying to contact the other driver for more information?
Is it worth persisting, or have I already gathered enough details to process an insurance claim?
Is it appropriate to file a police report for a hit-and-run?
In California, reports are typically required if someone was injured or damages surpass $1,000. Given that I’m experiencing neck and back stiffness, do I have grounds to report based on potential injuries? Also, what is the deadline for reporting damages, which appears to be within 10 days?
Does the damage look like it exceeds the $1,000 threshold?
Based on the photos and general estimates, is the repair likely to be costly?
What should be my next steps?
Will Geico cover the damages? How soon can I expect to hear from them? And, realistically, am I at a significant disadvantage in resolving this?
I plan to share photos of the damage in the comments for further context.
If you’ve experienced similar situations or have insights into handling such insurance claims and reporting obligations in California, I’d appreciate your advice. Navigating post-accident procedures can be stressful, but understanding your rights and options is crucial to ensure proper resolution.
