first time car accident - guy is making a bogus injury claim...need help please :)

[Hasbinbad]

Things racists say:

Originally Posted by Gel Mibson [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I'm not racist nor a redneck, I was just making a demographic remark.

[Kagatob]

HBB keep the ignorant white guilt to R&F. I'd say keep it to yourself but you won't. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[r00t]

Originally Posted by Gel Mibson [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

being that the the car who rear-ended is always at fault

assuming this was your first mistake, should have denied denied denied. If it was true every moran would cut off semi's and slam the breaks for brand new cars and free money

[Barkingturtle]

Originally Posted by r00t [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

assuming this was your first mistake, should have denied denied denied. If it was true every moran would cut off semi's and slam the breaks for brand new cars and free money

No, he's right--and people don't regularly allow eighteen-wheelers to hit them because that act results in death.

It's important to realize the at-fault determination is made by the insurance company and they essentially make their own rules. You can be stopped completely at a red light and have the dude in front of you put it in reverse and back into you and the insurance company will deem you at-fault for coming to rest too near the dude's rear-bumper.

If the front of your car strikes the rear of another car you are pretty much going to be found at-fault, but that's okay. Sometimes a not-at-fault will actually increase your premium more than anything--because the company can decide you drive in dangerous areas and that can be a more damning rating factor than your driving record.

In the end, it's a strange game--and the only winning move is to leave the scene of the accident before anyone can jot down your license-plate.

[raitheon]

Insurance adjuster here. 5+ years handling auto and home owners claims.

At this point there's really not much to do. Yes your insurance company will investigate, collect the police report and handle the claim accordingly. Unfortunately we can't do much when we don't have evidence on the contrary - but the info doesn't hurt (I.E. you eyewitnessing the guy walking into the ambulance).

Anything said at the scene is here-say - even if you were to appoligise for the situation the insurance company isn't going to take it to heart.

Lets talk worst case scenario here:
You have liability only on your car
this guy really is (or isnt, doesn't matter unless you have evidence of contrary) hurt
he sues you (technically your insurance company) - they pay limits, get them to sign a hold harmless for you and you're set.

What happens then?
Your rates increase or you're dropped and you find another insurance company for better rates / insurance.

So if it were just scratches on your bumper you'll be fine. This fender bender is nothing to worry about. At this point its out of your hands. Have a coke and a smile and wait for this whole thing to blow over.

if you need some more pointed advice PM me.

As for the dashcam remark - yes this is awesome, but Hindsight is 20/20.

[raitheon]

Originally Posted by Barkingturtle [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

In the end, it's a strange game--and the only winning move is to leave the scene of the accident before anyone can jot down your license-plate.

this is a really REALLY bad decision on so many different levels.

Mommy taught me to own up to my mistakes. Its also why we pay for insurance.

[Barkingturtle]

Originally Posted by raitheon [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

this is a really REALLY bad decision on so many different levels.

You'll feel differently once the insurance racket stops paying your bills. Get out while you still have some semblance of a soul, Brother.

Originally Posted by raitheon [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Mommy taught me to own up to my mistakes. Its also why we pay for insurance.

Total nonsense. I mean, the whole idea is sharing risk. When we pay premium we are owning everyone's mistakes.

[raitheon]

Originally Posted by Barkingturtle [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

You'll feel differently once the insurance racket stops paying your bills. Get out while you still have some semblance of a soul, Brother.



Total nonsense. I mean, the whole idea is sharing risk. When we pay premium we are owning everyone's mistakes.

Trust me. I'm on my way out. And I felt this way before i started working for an insurance company.

But in general, I disagree from fleeing the scene. What happens if you REALLY hurt someone? What happens if someone hits YOU while drunk and flees the scene? Do you not try and get their license plate? Hell no, you want that bastard to pay for what they've done.

As for sharing risk? yes you are correct - but does the single mother working two jobs who just got off of a double shift on her way home from working really have thousands of dollars to handle the damages she's caused after falling asleep at the wheel? For every negative thing about insurance there's a positive. I don't know about you but i don't keep ten grand in the bank incase i kill someone. (SR22 bond law for most states is holding 10 thousand on the side incase you're involved in an accident. In some states its the only way to avoid having to pay insurance. Normally the SR22 bond would match what the minimum state limits are in your state)

Just my two pennies.

[Barkingturtle]

Originally Posted by raitheon [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I don't know about you but i don't keep ten grand in the bank incase i kill someone.

Of course not.

I keep the cash in a fire-proof box under my bed because it's untraceable that way. Duh.


I should probably state for the record that my licenses all expired close to a decade ago and my advice has no official merit other than being obviously hilarious. There, I think I've covered my ass sufficiently.

[Treefall]

I live in a no-fault state.

There are pros and cons to it, but overall...I'm happy.