The accident happened in California.
I was in an accident where I was hit by an oncoming carwhile making a left turn. The other car lanes stopped to let me pass, but as I was turning, the other driver got into the other lane, which wasn't a passing lane to pass by, then hit me. The guy crashed into the front quarter panel and ruined the axel. I'm wondering if the repair shop or my insurance says it's totaled, what do I do next??? Nothing happened to the other car, while my car wasn't even paid for yet... I want the other party to pay me at least what I owe on the car and for lost wages... Do I have a case??? Can I take it to small claims court?
2007-04-09 18:50:23 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The Police were called. I do have a license, valid registration, and insurance. However, I don't know about the other people
2007-04-09 19:11:34 · update #1
First of all, it sounds like you are at fault. The person who hit you had the right-of-way. Even if the first lane of traffic stopped for you, it was your job to make sure both lanes were clear.
If the person who hit you was driving on the shoulder, median or sidewalk, then it was his fault.
Either way, the FIRST thing you're supposed to do when there's an accident is CALL THE POLICE. They will determine who is at fault, take pictures if necessary, and issue a citation to the person at fault. Then you'll have everything you need to go through the person's insurance company and get your car fixed.
I have a feeling the police were not called because one or both of you was breaking the law: driving without insurance, driving without a license, expired registration, etc.
Take this as a lesson to follow the law next time. Really, it's the first thing you learn in Driver's Ed and the first thing it says on your insurance paperwork: If there's an accident, CALL THE POLICE.
2007-04-09 19:03:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normally, the turning car must yield the right of way. If the other car made some kind of illegal maneuver before hitting you, then you have a case.
Was the traffic accident investigated? Does the accident report say who was at fault?
Your questions are best answered by your insurance company. They will file a claim for you against the other driver's insurance. How much you get depends on how much damage there was. If the car was "totaled" you will get the book value of the car which may or may not pay off the loan. Lost wages and other incidentals can be claimed but you will have to get with your insurance agent to submit all that.
2007-04-09 19:00:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may find this one difficult. Were the cops called? If so was a citation issued? If not to either of the above your insurance company will determine liability and assess accordingly. The car making the left turn is nearly always at fault and your insurance company may ding you quite hard on your premiums.
2007-04-09 18:55:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your insurance company should have taken care of that for you. They would go after the other company if they were at fault. Lost wages will not be reimbursed in any case, as you could have had a rental until settlement covered by the other company if they were at fault.
2007-04-11 11:02:38 · answer #4 · answered by henry k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can answer most car insurance questions related to accidents at this site
2007-04-11 06:45:49 · answer #5 · answered by idahoton 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
.The laws in most states say that you must yield to all oncoming traffic while making a left turn. From your details I would say you are at fault
2007-04-09 18:54:42 · answer #6 · answered by Kye H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You failed to yield the right of way when turning. You'll probably end up paying to repair the other vehicle.
2007-04-09 19:46:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your insurance company is supposed to take care of that for you.
2007-04-09 18:54:06 · answer #8 · answered by the Boss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make a clain against the other persons insurance
2007-04-09 18:53:16 · answer #9 · answered by skcs11 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋