Car Door Damage Incident – Need Advice on Insurance
I need some assistance with an insurance issue. While I was in a parking lot, I walked straight in front of my own car, which was parked next to another vehicle that was stationary. As I opened my car door, the adjacent vehicle—a work truck with a large bed—began to move. I shouted for the driver to stop, but they didn’t hear me. I quickly jumped into my car, but unfortunately, the truck’s bed hit my door, causing significant damage. Now, the company is disputing my claim, despite the fact that their vehicle caused the damage. What steps should I take next?
I’m sorry to hear about the damage to your car. Here are some steps you can take to help with your situation:
Document Everything: Gather all relevant evidence, including photos of the damage to your car, the work truck, and the surrounding area. Take notes about the incident, including the time, date, and any witnesses present.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details and any evidence you have collected.
File a Claim: If you haven’t done so already, file a claim with the other party’s insurance company, if possible. Make sure to include all documentation and explain clearly what happened.
Get a Police Report: If you haven’t already, see if you can get a police report filed. This can serve as an official document of the incident.
Seek Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask them if they can provide a statement that supports your account of what happened.
Follow Up: Stay in regular contact with both insurance companies (yours and the one for the work truck) to get updates on your claim. Document these interactions.
Consider Mediation: If the insurance company is still disputing your claim, you might consider mediation as a way to resolve the matter without going to court.
Legal Advice: If the issue remains unresolved, you may want to consult a lawyer who specializes in automobile accidents or insurance claims. They can provide you with guidance based on your specific situation.
Remember to stay calm and persistent throughout the process. Good luck!