what should I do?

Question

I accidentally hydroplaned into the back of someones car while coming to a stop at a light. The guy I hit, it wasnt his car, it was their friends car and they were driving on a road trip to Ohio. It wasn't bad damage done to the car, just white scratches, and the guy said that all that would probably need to be done is to get it waxed. They were in a hurry, so they didnt call the cops, but got my number and said they would ask their friend what he wants when they get back.
Well, the guy called me today, the one who hit me, not the friend who's car it belonged to. He said that he was going to get estimates done on the car, and he asked me if we can split the cost of the repair. I wasnt expecting them to call me back, since it had been well over a month ago. I'm questioning if he has insurance, and if the accident was my fault, why split the cost? And, why is he calling and not the guy who's car it belonged to? My boyfriend said not to pay him anything. What should I do?

Would I get in trouble if I tell him that I won't pay for it? Could he call the cops on me or anything?
I failed to mention that when he called yesterday afternoon, he told me about his bad luck and how a semi's tire fell off and took their bumper off and how he got a speeding ticket on the way there.

Answer 1

I wouldn't do anything after a month. Now it sounds like he wants the rest of the car fixed. If theres no police report, he has no legal means of accusing you now.

Answer 2

Here's a small note to think about. You only caused some minor scratches to his car. A semi's tire took off the bumper and he got a speeding ticket, he may assume that by offering to pay half of an accident that was your fault it would seem like a bargain so you would readily accept.
You may want to find out if the cost of the repairs now includes not only your scratches but also the bumper and ticket to which were not your fault.

Did you hit their bumper? You may also want to find out if that is the one that was taken off by the tire, if so he's probably trying to get you to pay for more damage than you've actually done or the insurance of the semi truck already paid for the damage (to the same bumper) and he sees a way to get a few bucks from you for free.

Contact the owner of the car and confirm the other guy's story first. If you feel you should recompensate him, then pay the owner of the car NOT the friend.

Answer 3

Tell you the truth its only fair to split the bill. but you should make a check out to the guy who owns the car. and may i point out you contradicted yourself and it is probably best you didnt go through insurance, read it over you said you hydroplaned into someones car and then "Well, the guy called me today, the one who hit me" sorry to point this out. yes you shouldnt pay the person that doesnt own the car, he probably sees that he made a mistake and didnt file a report and thats why he asked to split the bill in two. If you got their information you should probably send payment.

Answer 4

You admit the accident was your fault, driving too fast for road conditions, he isn't trying to gouge you, he's willing to take half, whatever happened to taking responsibility? Your boyfriend is a jerk, hope you know that. Pay the man, and be glad it's not on your insurance. It's a learning experience, some cost more than others.

Answer 5

You need to step up and have some character and do the right thing. If the estimate he gives sounds fair you should definitely split it and even offer to pay the whole thing.

Answer 6

a collision from the rear is always the rear drivers fault. you were following too fast and close to stop safely. be glad they did not call police to would have received at least 1 or more tickets which will add points against your license. pay your half and consider yourself fortunate.