[BlueWisteria]

I was in a minor car accident the other day. No one got hurt, thankfully it was at low speed so the damage isn't great. My car isn't so nice looking now though... both side doors are damaged. The person who hit me was not watching where they were going, pulled out into the main thoroughfare where I was and t-boned my car. When I realized she wasn't going to stop I blared my horn but it was too late. I saw her look at me in horror but she didn't stop in time. I think she either thought it was a one way street or was texting, I can't say for sure though because I was watching the road and her car, not her face. It was clear in any case that she did not look before pulling into the thoroughfare.

Having social anxiety and other problems, this was an absolute nightmare scenario for me. However I didn't freak out, I stayed calm, and dealt with the person politely, even though I had no idea what to do, and she was 100% at fault and I was super mad at her. She didn't speak good English so it was also hard that way. I even had to deal with police, but I was able to get through it.

Insurance is going to phone me (nightmare#2) to ask what happened in the next day or so. I'm the kind of person who likes to follow the rules to a T, tell the truth, and do everything legally.

I also think people need concequence for actions that might endanger others. If she had hit a pedestrian instead, they would have been in the hospital. If either of us had been going faster... who knows what would have happened. I'm just glad no one was hurt.

So now I have this weird ethical problem... I'm covered under my SO's insurance, and today the person who hit me called him at work pleading with him not to get insurance involved. I saw her driver's license the day of the accident, and she only has her student license. I imagine that means she would get a huge hike in her insurance fees and maybe other repercussions if she has hit anyone else (her car had some other paint/scratches on it).

People are telling me I should just make her pay for the damage and not get insurance involved. I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do. It scares me that people like this are on the road... has anyone else had to deal with this kind of stuff?

[Vossie42]

Yikes! Car accidents, no matter how minor or who's at fault, are upsetting to say the least. I'm glad it was minor.

I personally think people are nuts to tell you to not get insurance involved. What makes them think she's going to pay for the damages? She may not even have insurance herself. What if you have medical issues stemming from the accident that haven't shown up immediately? Is she going to pay for those, too? If she wants to hand you $10,000 cash, then I would consider not getting insurance involved. My guess is she's trying to get away with a hit and run. That's what happened to me when I was rear-ended by a lady who had no insurance and persuaded me not to call the police and that she would pay for damage to my car and any medical expenses. Hah!

It's probably too late to not get insurance involved since the police came out. The insurance company will find out about the accident and it could have an effect on your rates if you ever switch insurance companies.

If you want to let it go and give her a break, that's your choice. But I would gt the cash upfront right away. Don't take her word on anything. She's a complete stranger. You have no idea if she's being honest or scamming you. As we all well know, many people will lie however they need to get themselves out of trouble regardless of the consequences to the other person.

Just my 2 cents.

[gayleggg]

I agree with Vossie42. Go through the insurance company. It's the only way to make sure your car gets fixed without your having to pay. I would never consider not calling them. Assuming she has insurance.

[Travelinglady]

Yes--insurance! Another matter is that sometimes injuiries can appear later and then the insurance can cover those bills, too.

[(JD)]

You must by law turn it in to the insurance, and I hope you did get a copy of the police report. I also hope you mentioned that she might have been texting...so they can all check her phone records. She needs to learn this lesson now, or she might get away with it and continue poor driving that will get someone and/or her killed in the next accident.

You pay for insurance to handle this type of thing, use it! You don't know but that once you drop it, that she'll sue you for something regarding the accident! people.

[Wren_]

so glad you are ok
I don't know what the system is like where you live but insurance seems like a safer option for you

[seeker1950]

Definitely call the insurance. Don't let the driver try to influence you with sympathy pleading. She did wrong, she was probably texting, as you say.
Regardless, the insurance is the only way to go with this.