minor accident + guy w/ suspended license = moral issue
#1
Racer
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minor accident + guy w/ suspended license = moral issue
so a guy backed into my car in an open parking lot. I got his information and even had the parking lot's security fill out their formal form to record the incident. The guy does landscape with his son and is begging me not to go through insurance. He just got his license reinstated after a string of incidents. I'm generally a nice guy and if I were in this guy's shoes, I'd want the other party to help me out too.
What are the best ways that I can safeguard myself from this guy ditching out on me? I plan on writing a brief contract for both of us to sign. Any ideas would be great. I am meeting him tomorrow night and if he's a little shady, I'll make a police report. Thanks guys in advance as always.
What are the best ways that I can safeguard myself from this guy ditching out on me? I plan on writing a brief contract for both of us to sign. Any ideas would be great. I am meeting him tomorrow night and if he's a little shady, I'll make a police report. Thanks guys in advance as always.
#2
Team Owner
How much damage? You should have had the police do the report at the scene of the accident.
#3
Senior Moderator
get the damages amount for the car and tell him them. If he can afford to pay them, have contract signed stating that he will pay in full by X due date and failure to do so will result in X. Fill X in with stuff.
#5
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I always try and do the right thing, however, in this case, if you do what your heart sez, you will be left holding the bag. His mistake, his insurance-call them asap before it gets dishonored due to late notice.
#6
I love cars!
Originally Posted by gatrhumpy
Get your insurance involved ASAP. I've learned my lesson when it comes to these scumbags. Get your insurance involved, and get a police report.
Actions have consequences. It's not personal, it's business.
A string of accidents is no accident, wouldn't you say? This guy has to face up to accountability and change his friggin' driving habits. How many sob stories has he handed out to various victims?
Last edited by fast-tl; 12-26-2007 at 08:42 PM.
#7
i understand what your saying. If it was me it would depend on how much damage was done to my car. if it was alot and going to cost a bunch of money and didnt think this guy was going to be able to cover it, i would of called the police and insurance ASAP! if it was something little and you think this guy could actually cover paying for it. it might be a different story. Either way good luck with it
Originally Posted by fast-tl
A string of accidents is no accident, wouldn't you say? This guy has to face up to accountability and change his friggin' driving habits. How many sob stories has he handed out to various victims?
Last edited by Q1911; 12-26-2007 at 09:08 PM.
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#8
I love cars!
Keep in mind if you're not a body guy, you may not realize the actual cost to repair. Also, if you're going through the trouble to get an estimate, then why not use insurace?
#9
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thanks for all the replies. its going to be a bumper cover and the taillight housing since the out lense is cracked. nothing major, but could cost a pretty penny
i can't be too nice, then again I don't want to be the impetus to ruining this guy.
i can't be too nice, then again I don't want to be the impetus to ruining this guy.
#10
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i know you're trying to be a nice guy, but don't buy into a hard luck story. driving is a privilege and it comes with responsibilities.
i would file a claim with your ins. co. to make sure that you car is repaired, correctly and in a timely fashion. you're taking a big chance by trying to get an estimate and get the guy to pay it.
i would file a claim with your ins. co. to make sure that you car is repaired, correctly and in a timely fashion. you're taking a big chance by trying to get an estimate and get the guy to pay it.
#11
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My front bumper got backed into a few years ago. I only needed the cover replaced and the foam piece that goes behind it. All work and paint came out to just under $700. I'm guessing if you need a new bumper, it will most likely be around $800. I ended up going thru insurance with my incident, even after the kid who hit me begged me not to, because he had quite a few minor accidents previously. He also said that getting the money would be no big deal, however, he said he wanted me to take my car to some shop where his friend worked. That was a turn off, I wanted to go to a shop that the Acura dealership recommended, which was a little more expensive labor wise.
I'd go with insurance...yea, it sucks to be the guy who hit you, but in cases like this, you need to worry about, and take care of yourself first
I'd go with insurance...yea, it sucks to be the guy who hit you, but in cases like this, you need to worry about, and take care of yourself first
#12
Team Owner
Originally Posted by noshow_nogo
thanks for all the replies. its going to be a bumper cover and the taillight housing since the out lense is cracked. nothing major, but could cost a pretty penny
i can't be too nice, then again I don't want to be the impetus to ruining this guy.
i can't be too nice, then again I don't want to be the impetus to ruining this guy.
#13
Originally Posted by fast-tl
Agreed 100%. Don't rely on a non-binding contract to get your car repaired. Leave it to the insurance pros you pay every month and let them do their job.
Actions have consequences. It's not personal, it's business.
A string of accidents is no accident, wouldn't you say? This guy has to face up to accountability and change his friggin' driving habits. How many sob stories has he handed out to various victims?
Actions have consequences. It's not personal, it's business.
A string of accidents is no accident, wouldn't you say? This guy has to face up to accountability and change his friggin' driving habits. How many sob stories has he handed out to various victims?
Terry
#14
Burning Brakes
I work for an insurance company.
File a claim with your insurance and tell them you want to do it for report only and he plans to pay out of pocket.
You can always change your mind, i dont know NJ statue of limitations but you have years...literally
File a claim with your insurance and tell them you want to do it for report only and he plans to pay out of pocket.
You can always change your mind, i dont know NJ statue of limitations but you have years...literally
Last edited by MSW 6SP; 12-26-2007 at 10:08 PM.
#18
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Thanks guys. I'm meeting the guy tomorrow. If he cannot produce a check in 1 day, then I will file to create a police report, inform my insurance, and hope the guy will deal.
#19
Originally Posted by DRM600
i know you're trying to be a nice guy, but don't buy into a hard luck story. driving is a privilege and it comes with responsibilities.
i would file a claim with your ins. co. to make sure that you car is repaired, correctly and in a timely fashion. you're taking a big chance by trying to get an estimate and get the guy to pay it.
i would file a claim with your ins. co. to make sure that you car is repaired, correctly and in a timely fashion. you're taking a big chance by trying to get an estimate and get the guy to pay it.
#20
Take shitty drivers off the streets please. I'm one of the nicest guys out there but he has a suspended license for a reason don't you think?
Just call your insurance company, its not your fault and you shouldn't be paying for it. I don't feel sorry for the suspended license guy at all, and I would feel even less sorry for you if he screwed you over somehow despite all the advice telling you otherwise.
Just call your insurance company, its not your fault and you shouldn't be paying for it. I don't feel sorry for the suspended license guy at all, and I would feel even less sorry for you if he screwed you over somehow despite all the advice telling you otherwise.
#21
Benchwarmer
Originally Posted by noshow_nogo
Thanks guys. I'm meeting the guy tomorrow. If he cannot produce a check in 1 day, then I will file to create a police report, inform my insurance, and hope the guy will deal.
And if the guy's a no show, then obviously the deal's a no go.
#22
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by noshow_nogo
Thanks guys. I'm meeting the guy tomorrow. If he cannot produce a check in 1 day, then I will file to create a police report, inform my insurance, and hope the guy will deal.
#24
Insert Sarcasm Here
Originally Posted by gatrhumpy
Get your insurance involved ASAP. I've learned my lesson when it comes to these scumbags. Get your insurance involved, and get a police report.
Ya know around here if it happens on private property (i.e. parking lot) the police won't even fill out a report. The refuse to.
#25
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Originally Posted by gatrhumpy
Get your insurance involved ASAP. I've learned my lesson when it comes to these scumbags. Get your insurance involved, and get a police report.
police report isn't necessary. I"ve never gotten one on a minor accident.
This is what i'd do. You have all his information, i'd give him 2 weeks to pay up after you get an estimate on his own, if he gets shady, go through his insurance.
#27
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Originally Posted by Smalls
Ya know around here if it happens on private property (i.e. parking lot) the police won't even fill out a report. The refuse to.
yeap, and most police will berate you for calling them to a light fender bender. THey have better shit to do. All they are going to do is make sure you guys exchange information.
#28
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Originally Posted by CLpower
yeap, and most police will berate you for calling them to a light fender bender. THey have better shit to do. All they are going to do is make sure you guys exchange information.
#29
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Get all his info. You have a witness in case he tries to stiff you. Give him a chance to pay for it.
Get a good estimate. I would include a couple bucks to cover anything that can pop up.
Get a good estimate. I would include a couple bucks to cover anything that can pop up.
#30
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Originally Posted by DarkSithCL
True... most times you have to lump it urself... ur pretty much by people who hit u on parking lots..
Yeap, my mom got hit by a lady in a parking lot, they saw her do it, got her license # etc. Police said they couldn't do anything even with witnesses.
The cop was actually a real prick to my mom who was good friends w/ the chief and the mayor, he got an earfull from it
#32
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You want to do the right thing? Then do what you're supposed to do. Report the accident, claim your insurance, etc.
Doing the right thing doesn't always mean being "nice", it means doing things the way they are supposed to be done.
Doing the right thing doesn't always mean being "nice", it means doing things the way they are supposed to be done.
#34
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well just to unravel a few things. My car was parked, I wasn't in it at the time. The security attendant apparently witnessed the accident and made a report.
This occurred in a parking lot that is funded/run by the city, so I think the local police and sheriff's dept. would be more than cooperative.
The guy stood me up tonight. he promised cash for estimate (1289) plus rental (250) so monday morning it's off to my insurance.
My fault is that I see too much good in people. I believe in 2nd chances, 3rd and 4th. and I always just want to help somehow. These fckin people drive me to become a pessimist.
slap a huge "I told you so" sticker on my face please
This occurred in a parking lot that is funded/run by the city, so I think the local police and sheriff's dept. would be more than cooperative.
The guy stood me up tonight. he promised cash for estimate (1289) plus rental (250) so monday morning it's off to my insurance.
My fault is that I see too much good in people. I believe in 2nd chances, 3rd and 4th. and I always just want to help somehow. These fckin people drive me to become a pessimist.
slap a huge "I told you so" sticker on my face please
#35
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Do you at least have his info when you call his insurance?
Like his insurance company, policy number, plate number, name, etc?
I hope so. We are opposites. I am pessimistic about people, and I have learned to not really trust anyone in these types of situations. Its sorta like "tough shit, then you shouldn't have been stupid and hit my car.
If you dont have his info...hopefully you have his plate...then you can really get up his ass and file it as a hit and run. But if you do have his info, youre out of luck on that.
Like his insurance company, policy number, plate number, name, etc?
I hope so. We are opposites. I am pessimistic about people, and I have learned to not really trust anyone in these types of situations. Its sorta like "tough shit, then you shouldn't have been stupid and hit my car.
If you dont have his info...hopefully you have his plate...then you can really get up his ass and file it as a hit and run. But if you do have his info, youre out of luck on that.
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To the OP: you're to be admired for trying to be decent in my book. Unfortunately every single time I've heard of this scenario, it never works out for the person who is at the receiving end of someone else's irresponsibility. Hope it all works out!
#37
I love cars!
Originally Posted by noshow_nogo
My fault is that I see too much good in people. I believe in 2nd chances, 3rd and 4th. and I always just want to help somehow. These fckin people drive me to become a pessimist.
slap a huge "I told you so" sticker on my face please
slap a huge "I told you so" sticker on my face please
#38
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thanks guys. you could lock this thread up. I made a claim via insurance this morning. Called the guy right after whose "cellphone acted up so he couldn't call me last night" and after I told him I went to insurance, he started crying saying his life was over and how his license will be forever suspended and he'll never be able to work again.
I still kinda felt bad for the guy, but oh well, stuff happens and he's a grown man to have to accept responsibility.
I still kinda felt bad for the guy, but oh well, stuff happens and he's a grown man to have to accept responsibility.
#40
I miss my 03 CL-S :(
Originally Posted by noshow_nogo
I still kinda felt bad for the guy, but oh well, stuff happens and he's a grown man to have to accept responsibility.
If his life was really going to be ruined, he had your number - he could have gone to a neighbor's house and called, or used his son's cell. I mean, shit, if my livelyhood was in the balance, I would have run up and down town trying to find a public phone or something!