My 05 civic was hit in a private parking lot in PA. I called my insurance co, gave them all the information I had. They went after other driver-his fault-no problem-no having to go to court.

 

More like ...



"I want the truth!"

 

My guess is the other driver admitted fault then. I know a few people who have had very different experiences. It helps if you've got a decent insurance company who will do most of the work for you.

 

In California, a driver coming out of a drive-way or parking spot must yield right of way. If it's the same in MI, then OP should be found in favor.

 

You are right. I once hit a light pole when swerved to avoid an accident. Some old guy pulled out in the front of me, but we didnt make a contact with his car, I just swerved. Still, witnesses and police said it was his fault and I got paid $8000 for the car that I purchased for $6500.

 

Ok, so not only do you frequently all but advocate insurance fraud, you're now admitting to actually having done it in the past? You best hope there's no such thing as karma.

 

Um ... maybe he bought it for less than KBB value? Insurance company doesn't necessarily compensate you for the price you paid, but the fair market value so that you can go replace it.

From Val's description, I'm guessing he Became One with the light pole, several air bags went "po-OOF!" and the car was a total write-off. A coworker had his Explorer salvaged when someone bumped his wife in the rear (of the car), and every air bag deployed (yeah, "Ford, Quality is Job One"). He was kind of amazed.

(I was, too. His wife insisted on another Explorer, even though he was shopping for comparable Toyotas, Lexuses, Acuras, etc, some of them far nicer than the ruined vehicle.)

 

I misunderstood the chain of events because of how he wrote it. I thought he hit a pole, then almost hit the guy and blamed it on the guy. After re-reading it, it seems the guy pulling out is what started the whole chain of events rather than ended it.

No fraud there after all.

 

david is right. it was no fraud but a pure accident. The other driver stopped at a stop sign and proceeded driving, but he had to yield (I had no stop sign in my way). Then I swerved and hit the light pole. Car was unrepairable.

I bought the car below KBB value, but insurance companies dont look at that.

I think u need to drop all your prejudices and be less rude to others sometimes.

 

It's not a prejudice if it's based on your personal past behavior. It's just a judgment at that point. I'll admit I made a mistake here though.

 

Admitting a mistake is a great yet rare quality among men these days. I am glad you have it, man.

 

Not really. Depends on the crowds you hang with. Example: it's no big deal for a guy named Obama. (Couldn't resist.)

That's why I find it infuriating when I hear about drivers who slam into others (i.e. OP's crazed lady), then lie like there's no tomorrow rather than just facing reality. I imagine one thing that DEFINITELY gets your insurance rates raised is lying at the scene of the accident or afterward, then being proved to be lying.

 

I didnt say it doesnt exist, but not that many people have it. I dont know about lying, but if u got a witness, well...

 

Hmm, I got a quote for about $2,500 for a whole new front bumper, a new headlight, fix on hood (yes, it cracked the paint and I saw it today), new grill, adjust fender.

As for the headlight, it's $400 apiece so I talked to to the guy and told him that I will buy a whole new pair for $200 and he will just give me back $200 in cash (i guess he makes $200 off insurance...) so that's all settled.

I will be getting the car fixed at the beginning of March, hopefully by that time the Michigan will get the heck out of the single digit temperature weather so I can ride the bicycle to work...

I am going to talk to the crazy lady's insurance company soon, any good suggestions as to what I should say?? (besides going crazy on them.)

 

State the facts, just like you did with your original post. BUT, leave out the Korean remarks. She backed up into you. For sure, if this happened in Calif., she'd be found at fault.

 

The less you talk about this detail, the better, I suspect. I've pocketed an insurance company's payout based on a shop's estimate then did the repairs myself (once, very minor damage), but letting the shop bill your insurance one sum, then kicking back $ome to you for providing the part,... that's questionable.

Concur, just tell the lady's firm the facts, without any characterizations or drama, maybe mention that she jumped out and asked, "what did I do?" (could be interpreted several ways), maybe mention that she wanted to leave the scene until you convinced her not to. The hysteria is irrelevant, everyone has an emotional reaction to these things; some people rant and rave, some people start sobbing (like my ex did), some people even post on the Internet. None of it is out of bounds IMHO.

 

^ I am with dave. Its much better to grab the money and do it yourself or find an affordable shop