Need Assistance
Hi everyone,
I need some help with a situation I’m facing. While driving home, I stopped at a stop sign and was rear-ended. Fortunately, the damage isn’t major, but my truck’s bumper is gone and the vehicle is out of shape.
In the shock of the moment, I didn’t think to call the police since the driver who hit me provided his insurance policy information. My car is a 2008 Chevy Impala. The next day, I dropped it off at the mechanic and reported the incident to his insurance company.
A month has passed, and I’ve been in contact with the insurance company. They’ve informed me that they need a statement from the driver who hit me, but he hasn’t responded to their attempts to reach him. When I spoke to him, he claimed he was in touch with the insurance, but it seems he hasn’t actually talked to them.
An adjuster from the insurance company came to assess my car and mentioned that it may be considered a total loss.
What should I do? Is it possible to report the incident to the police even though it’s been a month?
If the situation resolves and the driver admits fault, I’m curious what kind of compensation I might receive from the insurance company.
I apologize for any language errors; English is not my first language.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some steps you can take:
Document Everything: Gather all evidence, including photos of the damage, any communication with the other driver, insurance information, and any notes from your interactions with the insurance company.
Contact Your Insurance: If you have your own insurance policy, contact them to see if they can assist you in this situation. They may be able to help you handle the claim or offer guidance.
Follow Up With the Other Driver: Keep trying to communicate with the driver who hit you. If he’s not being truthful, it’s important to have a clear understanding of his stance on the incident.
File a Report: Yes, you can report the incident to the police even if it’s been a month. File a report that includes all details of the accident. This documentation could help with your claim.
Consider Legal Advice: If the situation doesn’t resolve or if you’re facing issues with insurance, it might be wise to consult a lawyer who specializes in car accidents or insurance claims. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Determine Value of Your Car: If your car is deemed a total loss, the insurance company will typically offer you the fair market value of the car before the accident. You can research the value using resources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get an estimate.
Be Persistent: Keep following up with the insurance company regularly to ensure that your claim is being processed. Document any promises or timelines they give you.
Take things one step at a time, and remember that it’s important to advocate for yourself in this situation. Good luck!