I was in a car crash with a very weird insurance situation. What’s going to happen?

by IFadmin

Subject: I Was Involved in a Car Accident with a Complicated Insurance Situation—What’s Next?

Date: March 20, 2025, 5 PM

Facts:

  • My driver’s license is from Wisconsin, and my car is registered there as well.
  • I’ve been living in Georgia for a couple of months, and my insurance policy is with a Georgia provider, reflecting my current GA address. I just haven’t gotten around to re-registering my car.
  • I had an accident at the time noted above, and here’s a link to the dashcam footage (please note that the timestamp is incorrect): https://youtu.be/iXTCbBwBtYg.

According to reports, the other party was driving a Toyota Tacoma and may have been under the influence of marijuana (this is unconfirmed).

Fortunately, there were no injuries for anyone involved. However, it seems like the Tacoma may have significant damage to its steering axle and will likely need a wheel replacement, which I estimate will cost between $8,000 and $15,000. My own repairs could be around $2,000, but I might have frame damage that could increase that estimate.

The police were notified, and I received a case number. I didn’t get the other driver’s insurance information, but the officer assured me that the case number is all the insurance company would need.

I’m 23 years old with Progressive insurance, while the other driver is in his mid-40s and has State Farm.

My Thoughts:

I acknowledge that I had a yellow light and should’ve either stopped or proceeded cautiously. While I believe I slowed down significantly, I technically failed to yield. However, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could have anticipated another vehicle coming through that intersection and yielding properly. Unfortunately, I suspect that the insurance companies won’t take human factors into account.

My biggest concern is that my claim will be denied, forcing me to cover both the other driver’s damages and my own out of pocket since my car is registered in Wisconsin. I’m also worried that my premiums could increase as a result.

This is my first accident, and while the officer gave me a warning for failure to yield and seemed to think it was my fault without wanting to see the footage, I’m still feeling uncertain about my situation.

Could anyone offer insights on what the worst-case and best-case scenarios might be? Is it likely that I’ll end up having to pay for both parties’ damages myself?

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One thought on “I was in a car crash with a very weird insurance situation. What’s going to happen?”

  1. It sounds like you’re in a complex situation, but let’s break down the potential best-case and worst-case scenarios regarding your car accident and insurance situation.

    Best-Case Scenario:

    1. Liability Determined in Your Favor: If the insurance company of the other driver (State Farm) determines that you had a valid argument about the yellow light and they agree that their driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, they might cover the damages to your vehicle, as well as the other driver’s damages.
    2. Low Impact on Your Premium: Even if you are found partially at fault, your insurance provider (Progressive) might not significantly raise your rates, especially considering this is your first accident.
    3. Coverage for Your Repairs: Since you have Progressive and you reported the accident, if they determine there’s partial liability on the other party, you could get coverage for your repairs (minus your deductible).
    4. Case Number: Having a police report with a case number can potentially expedite the claims process and help support your case, even without the other driver’s insurance details.

    Worst-Case Scenario:

    1. Full Liability Assigned to You: The insurance companies might conclude that you were at fault for failing to yield. This could mean you would be responsible for paying for the other driver’s repairs out of pocket, as well as potentially facing a denied claim for your damages.
    2. Increased Premiums: Depending on how liability is assessed and the severity of claims, your insurance premiums could spike significantly, especially since you have a warning for failure to yield on record.
    3. Possibility of Legal Consequences: If the other driver decides to pursue legal action against you for damages, you may face additional financial liabilities beyond just what is covered by insurance.
    4. State Regulations Complicated by Residency: Since your car is still registered in Wisconsin while you’re living in Georgia, there’s a chance your insurance might be invalidated, complicating the claims process further.

    Recommendations:

    • Contact Your Insurer: Speak with Progressive as soon as possible about the incident. Provide them with all the details, including the police report number.
    • Gather Evidence: If you haven’t done so already, collect all evidence that might support your case, including dashcam footage, eyewitness reports, and any related documentation.
    • Consult a Legal Professional: Given the complexities of your situation, especially regarding insurance regulations between states, consulting with a legal expert could provide you with tailored advice and help you navigate the potential fallout.

    It’s understandable to feel anxious about the outcome, but being proactive in managing the situation can help you get through it more smoothly.

    Reply

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