First Auto Accident, No Police Report Filed, Exchanged Insurance Information?

Question

A 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee rear-ended the 2005 Ford Focus that I was driving at 1:45 p.m. (EST) on Friday, January 26, 2007. It was my very first accident. The offending driver, whose first name is London, and I pulled into the gas station. London said that he's been in an accident before... and he probably didn't want to have a ticket, so he never mentioned the idea of calling the police. I didn't think of calling the police, and I didn't have a cell phone on me at the time. London was cooperative, by providing his insurance information. I wrote down the Bumper Plate Identification of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, his full name, Policy #, Agency #, and VIN. I did not write down his personal driver's license ID #, nor his cell phone #, nor home address. London wrote down my name, insurance information, and other identification.

I think that the information I obtained was substantial. But will the information that I did not get, & the failure to call the police give me too much trouble?!??

Answer 1

which state do you live in- In Pa when I had a fender bender like yours, we called the police. We were informed by them if the car can be driven or there are no injuries not to call them. In fact the state trooper yelled at us for calling them and keeping them from more serious problems. He told us just to exchange information with each other.

Answer 2

You should be fine without the police report. A lot of times the police just have you exchange information if no one was hurt. Calling them after the fact will not help you either, if you're considering doing that now. Your insurance company would only need a police report if you had no identifying information or if there were a dispute, but police reports are over rated anyway. Unless it's a serious accident or there are disputed facts or people won't exchange info, they usually don't come in handy. And police officers don't make liability decisions, insurance companies do.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

2

Answer 5

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As a former auto claim adjuster for 10 years, this makes absolutely no sense. 3 car accident, no police called and only exchange phone numbers? Either one of you or all of you, either had no insurance, no valid drivers license or was under the influence, so did not want to "draw" attention. Since you were the last guy, this appears to be a 3 car rear end accident and YOU would be held responsible for the lady in front of you for rear and front end damages, plus the 1st lady's rear end damages. And like the other poster stated, most likely at some time, either the 1st or 2nd car will "suddenly" claim injuries of whiplash due to this accident. So the next phone call you get will either be from a lawyers office or a letter from the lawyer. Getting a signed release from both of them may not absolve you of owing and they could possibly sue you. The "scenario" of the 1st lady "possibly" backing into the 2nd lady "might" happen, but doubtful that the 2nd lady would have backed into you, unless you were a foot behind her, or so close that she could hit you. I hope you have auto insurance, and if so, CONTACT THEM TODAY and file a claim. I can almost guarantee you that when the insurance company looks at all the cars, that the amount of damages, even minor, could be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 total. good luck

Answer 6

So long as there was damage, you could easily be charged with "leaving the scene of an accident". It is a felony. As the last car in line, and with no witnesses to say otherwise, you will most likely be the person 'at fault' for the accident and any damage to either car or person. Get someone who knows the law involved, and get a signed release from the woman after you pay her the $200. Make sure the release absolves you of any present and future claims of physical or personal damage. I'd contact the middle person and get the same release signed, even if it costs you money. Here is why. A month from now, either woman could very easily talk to a friend, who puts her in touch with an (ambulance chasing) lawyer, who sends her to a couple of Dr's. to see about this 'pain' that has arisen (because she decided she needs to remodel her kitchen). They WILL sue you and you could easily become liable for thousands in 'pain and suffering etc etc.' and, since you broke your insurance contract with your insurance company by choosing not to inform them, THEY may be able to wiggle out paying the claim which would leave you to take out a loan and pay.. or. spend some time in jail. Get the releases signed and get out from under this thing before it kicks you in the head (and wallet). $200 is a GIFT. It's the cheapest you will ever see solving this kind of accident.

Answer 7

First, always call the police even for the slightest fender-bender. Then call your insurance company the minute you are able. He was the one who caused the accident by rear-ending you, so his insurance should pay for it. Call your agent to find out what to do now. You will not get into trouble for not calling the police. They are there to help with who is in the wrong and proof of damage. Also take pictures of any damage BEFORE you get it fixed. Your insurance company may need them. Write down everything that happened as you remember it and while it is fresh in your mind.
Everyone has accidents. Best to cover yourself with a police report also next time it ever happens.
Good luck!

Answer 8

Yes, you should have called for a police report, but you didn't so let's forget that part of it for now.

What you need to do now is contact your insurance company and give them all the information about the accident and follow whatever they tell you to do. London may be telling HIS insurance company that you backed into him.

The insurance companies should be able to sort things out and get your car fixed.

Good luck with it.

Answer 9

I know this situation all too well, as this is how my first accident happened. I was driving and hit this guys' car on the drivers' rear side. We both pulled over, the police were called, we waited for them to come. When he came, he said that since it was such little damage, a police report was not needed. He also had us exchange insurance information (i.e. driver's name, insurance company, policy number, etc.). Then we were free to go from the scene. The guy called up his insurance company, let them know he was involved in an accident with me (it was my fault, of course) and that he had my information. His insurance company then got in contact with mine and they contacted me for verification and payment was made to him. Just make sure to call your insurance company as soon as possible. Next time, get the police to the scene....even if you have to send smoke signals....LMAO

Answer 10

I think for his insurance to pay they will require a police report. I don't know what state you are in but here in NC any damage of $500 or more has to have a police report. Sorry to say it dude but I think you may have been scammed. In the future always call the police, it is better to have the report and not need it than to need it and not have it.