This morning while driving on a highway, the van next to me swerved into my lane and side swiped my car. They didn't hit me hard enough to leave any dents because I swerved over as much as I could trying to avoid them. They would not pull over to exchange information. I honked and flashed my lights at them but still nothing. I stayed behind them long enough to call the cops and give them a plate number and vehicle description. Then I pulled over and waited for the cop to arrive so that I could give a report. My car did not have any dents but did have a few paint chips missing. This was not there before today, I have only had the car about a month. The cop didn't write anything down and did not file a report stating I could not do anything because there was not enough damage. Is this true? When I called 911 they said that it was the middle of shift change so I may have to wait awhile...I feel that this cop may have just been getting off duty and did not want to mess with it.
2006-07-13 10:06:27 · 8 answers · asked by jxoxolove 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
I'm not so much worried about the damage...I can fix that. But the fact that nothing was done bothers me. What if next time his careless driving hurts someone.
2006-07-13 10:41:34 · update #1
The cop did not do his job.
Regardless of the amount of damage (which he is NOT trained to determine), he should have given you a report.
You will be able to fill this claim on your insurance (if you want) under Uninsured Motorist. However, they will require a police report.
I would call the police department and speak with that officer's commanding officer and give them full detail of what happen. Then ask for a report for insurance purposes.
Good Luck!
PLEASE NOTE: When you file an UNinsured claim, there is a deductible, however it's much less than the average deductible on your insurance.
2006-07-13 10:12:53 · answer #1 · answered by Nysa 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You should go right down to the highway patrol office or local cop office. You need to be insistant on getting a report. Tell them that the first officer did not take a report. There should be a log of the call, remember this. Thank goodness you were not injured. The police should have followed up on this, as this person could have driving under the influence.
Good Luck
2006-07-13 17:12:11 · answer #2 · answered by Michele R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF a cop failed to allow you to file a report please go back and file your report as well as a complaint to the highway patrol. Also contact your insurance agent to let them know. Paint chips no biggie yes, but the driver was reckless and needs to be reported and charged. You could have been hurt or struck someone else. Angels were on your side.
2006-07-13 17:13:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not matter the amount of damage. It's called "leaving the scene of an accident" Go to that police dept. 2morrow & file a complaint. If you're going to have the damage fixed it may not be worth the deductable amount to turn it in to your insurance. In that case then don't file the report. If you do it goes on your record & it's a red flag to insurance companies. If the deductable is not an issue & you want the insurance company to pay for it, then you may have to file a report in order for your insurance to pay.
2006-07-13 17:14:50 · answer #4 · answered by amee2you 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cop blew it! Plain and simple!
File a report with the DMV, and include the cops badge # and name! Then file a complaint with the state police.
Then file with your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) they will pay for the damage to your vehicle and go after the other driver for compensation.
2006-07-13 19:39:28 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the cop was right, there has to be a certain amount of damage to file a adequate report... sorry that sucks... :/
2006-07-13 17:13:53 · answer #6 · answered by Arry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should have gotten his name and badge number. they need to file any report for which there is a complaint.
you need to find the supervisor and file a complaint.
and dont let them take a verbal only, ask to fill out a form and get a case id number or something.
2006-07-13 17:11:40 · answer #7 · answered by Rigger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you were wronged but this is probably one of those
times when you just have to shake it off and go on.
please do not let it fester and cause you to become
like them. you are better than that.
2006-07-13 17:11:39 · answer #8 · answered by agedlioness 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋