A month ago I was waiting behind a truck to make a right. I had my foot on the brake. The driver of the truck realized she was sticking out too far into oncoming traffic, so she backed up a little- just enough to hit the front of my car (I have a witness).
My front bumper was only scratched, but the back of her truck had a dent & paint damage on it (how do I know some of it wasn't there before?) The woman angrily said, "Look what you've done!" She was convinced that I hit her, and demanded my info so I could pay her back. Because I'm only 17 she felt pity so she didn't take down my license plate# and said she wouldn't do it thru insurance. I agreed that this was a good idea 'cuz even though she was at fault, it would appear that I hit HER. I agreed to pay her cash so she wouldn't sue.
I hadn't heard from her since & thought she lost my info, but today she called when I was in school. I don't have much $ but she knows my name & address. I don't want to pay. What should do? Plz Help!
2007-06-18 09:55:48 · 16 answers · asked by deanne033 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
you already agreed to pay. talk to your parents maybe they can have a rational talk with this lady. remember she's the one who backed up. and if you have the witness name and phone give that to your parents as well.
2007-06-18 09:59:59 · answer #1 · answered by brk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Were you insured the date of the accident?
She cannot enforce the oral contract made at the accident site because the law will generally NOT enforce a contract between an adult and a minor.
She will have a hard time proving you hit her, since you have a witness, and it would be her word against the two of you.
At this point, don't pay her.
If she files a suit, refer it to your insurance company.
If you were not insured, depending upon the damages, you may need to speak with an attorney.
Good luck!
2007-06-18 10:04:42 · answer #2 · answered by MenifeeManiac 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get that witness..no witness? your word against hers and you left the scene of the propterty damage..she has your information...it will come out in court you are in the wrong if you do not have a witness...never have an accident and not report it to the police..now you and whoever insures the car you were driving will have to pay the accident..if you don't have a witness..
most people don't sue for this small amount..but you never know..maybe they will get you in small claims court.??
This should be a lessson on what people will do ..don't trust people to do the right thing by you....it is going to cost you ..but you already know that..good luck
2007-06-18 10:02:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if no police report was filed and nothing official was documented, no info was exchanged....you can say to her "Accident?....What car accident?...I wasn't in an accident!!" No police report pretty much means she is up S**t creek without a paddle. Make sure your witness would gladly back you up just incase she feels like being a total B***h but I don't really think she has a leg to stand on.
Oh and make sure your parents know about this...it kinda sounds like you've hid this from them!Good luck!!!!
2007-06-18 10:02:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you should do is tell her to take it to insurance, either her's or your's. At 17 you are a minor, which means that even though you had a verbal agreement to pay, you are under no obligation to pay because minors can not enter into binding agreement without parental consent. Tell your parents about everything that happened and they can deal with the insurance companies and possibly hire a lawyer.
2007-06-18 17:27:42 · answer #5 · answered by sean_m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Notify your insurance company. Let them handle it. If the accident happened the way you said, and if the other driver continues to lie, offer to take a lie detector test. ask the other driver to do the same. Whoever loses then pays for the lie detector tests.
2007-06-18 10:00:34 · answer #6 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignore her. You should have notified your insurance company and they would have defended the case. So now, wait for her to sue you and tell the lawyer (if she ever finds one to file the suit) what happened, that your insurance is worthless b/c you didn't notify them, you're 17 years old and why is he wasting his time?
The lawyer may actually lay rubber getting away from the case.
2007-06-18 10:04:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you reported it to your insurance? If not you need to in order to tell your side of the story, if they are approached by her they will deny liability. That is what you pay them for, if they need to they will hire an attorney to defend you. Contact any witnesses and get written signed statements..
2007-06-18 10:14:49 · answer #8 · answered by Lori B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK..if you have a witness WHY did you say you would pay her????? Get an attorney. Don't let her walk all over you! Get your witness. Sue this woman yourself! She is harrassing you and is trying to steal your money for something SHE did! Tell your parents.
2007-06-18 10:00:05 · answer #9 · answered by CAT 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I hope there was a police report filed. That lady is a scam artist! You better get with your parents and get a lawyer asap.
2007-06-18 10:00:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋