Car Accident, need some advice.?

Question

I was driving uphill and stoped behind a 1989 Toyota at a stop sign, the sun was hitting my front window so it was kinda hard to see, anyway the car in front of me moved so I asssume I am the next one but he suddenly stopped again as the result I hit the car, he came out and asked me if I want to go through insurance or personally since the damage looks not bad at all i said just settle it personally, so he said he will call me to tell me how much, i give him my phone and plate number only and then today he called me back said the repair is going to be 1000+ dollars, I said there is no way that the repair will cost that much, then he said he will have to go to the police! Now i don't know what to do, should i pay him or call my insurance or just ignore him since there was no witness at the accident anyway. Please advice! thank you

Answer 1

i would tell him that in order to settle it personally, you'll get an estimate at a garage that you trust and he can fix it there or agree on the quote. That's standard. And if he calls the police, they'll tell you the same.

Answer 2

You'd be surprised how much a small amount of damage will cost to fix. If there was any noticeable damage, typically the bumper and paint and the energy absorption material behind the bumper will all need to be replaced. My wife just needed her 2003 Corolla's bumper replaced and the guy also wanted to settle it. He had to pay $1400. So $1000+ is not unreasonable.

If you feel it's too much call the guy and tell him you didn't realize it was going to be that much. And trade insurance companies and coverage information. It's the proper thing to do. Then call your insurance company and report it.

Answer 3

Here is some advice, first of all ask for a written estimate from a legitimate body shop. That is his proof, then if he can't give you that then he might be trying to get more money out of you. If he threatens to go to the police, they will ask him why did he wait so long, technically with him threatning to go to police if you dont give him the money and he can't give you a written estimate, then that is called blackmail and is illegal. The police would stand by you because you have no proof from him saying how much the repairs will cost. Even if the police buy his story, you just have to tell them what he is doing and they will more then likely do nothing about it because it then turns out to be your word against his. But if he can give you an estimate, then you better pay, nothing you can do about that. But that written estimate is the key, demand it!

Answer 4

I would definately not ignore him. I would tell him that if that is what it is going to cost, then you will be glad to pay but first you want to see 3 estimates. And make at least one of them from a body shop you choose. Do you think he is just throwing a number out to you? I would ask for the one estimate he does have so that you can see what he has to justify the amount he wants. You just need to get it fixed. If he wants to go to the police, then you may want to go first. Fill out an accident report and then take a copy of it to your insurance. Then let the insurance take care of it. The will want more than one estimate. Or they may send out their own adjuster and tell you how much they would allow for the damage. Either way you need to own up to the accident. I may try to avoid the insurance thing if you can afford it, if in fact it will cost you $1000+. Good luck. I don't think it is unreasonable to get more than one estimate.

Answer 5

You should have call the police even if was not bad. Who knows he may not have had any Insurance. It also sounds like he is just trying to get some money from you. I would not take any more of his calls an even if he does call the police [witch i don't think he will] he could get into trouble for leaving the seen. Now you did not said how much information you gave this guy about your self so if you did not gave to much I would not worry about it.

Answer 6

If it is more than $250, it's better that your insurance pay for it. You will have to pay the base amount of 250 (depending on your insurance). But your premiums will go up after you renew your insurance (usually after a year.) Offer to pay 250 only because that's what you usually pay if the insurance covers the damage.

Answer 7

Get two quotes from him in writing (just like the insurance would demand).

If he calls the police, what EXACTLY will he say? "Oh, I had this accident of some guy a week ago and now I want to report it."
hahaha

Do the right thing... call him, get two quotes from REAL autobody places.. and pay him the lowest amount.

Answer 8

Make a police report and talk to your insurance company.
I think the Toyota owner is looking at you as a cash cow.
I wonder if the Toyota had full coverage on it or not.

Answer 9

wow, the same thing happened to me a few years back..and the guy I hit told me his damages were $300 and I thought that was much..i don't think he can go to the cops because the accident already took place..and the cops are just gonna tell him he should've called in the first place..he can take you to court though..but i would do is suggest u go with him to get the estimate..and if it was he says it is..then u have no other choice...good luck!!!

Answer 10

Sounds like hes trying to railroad you. I wouldnt worry about the police, its not a hit and run so its all a civil thing now. He wont take the time to go to small claims court if its only a little damage, so offer him like $250 and if he dont like it, he can kiss an a**. Dont let him intimidate you!!