Minor car accident, my fault, what to do?

Question

I was off from work today and was changing lanes to another freeway in a major city. The traffic was not too fast since it's rush-hour, but the lane I switched into was in a complete stop about 10 cars ahead. I slammed my brake and seconds later I hit the guy in front of me.

I felt the bump but both cars only had minor scraches. The other driver was complaining about headache and neck/shoulder pain but denies in need for medical care to the police.

We exchanged insurance info, but I thought he would just let it go since it's just so minor and his car is quite old.

But I got a call from him complaining that his rear door knobs are "stuck" that he can't open them.

So he offered us to settle on our own after he brings the car to a machanics tomorrow. He also said that he'll see if the pain feels better in the morning.

I'm just wondering if this is the best way to do it since we both don't get our insurance rate raised.

Assuming this is that a flaud, is settling it on our own th

I was off from work today changed lanes to another freeway in a major city. The traffic was not too fast since it's rush-hour, but the lane I switched into was in a complete stop about 10 cars ahead. I slammed my brake and seconds later I hit the guy in front of me.

I felt the bump but both cars only had minor scraches. The other driver was complaining about headache and neck/shoulder pain but denies in need for medical care to the police.

We exchanged insurance info, but I thought he would just let it go since it's just so minor and his car is quite old.

But I got a call from him complaining that his rear door knobs are "stuck" that he can't open them.
He offered us to settle on our own after he brings the car to a machanics tomorrow. He also said that he'll see if the pain feels better in the morning.
I'm just wondering if this is the best way to do it since we both don't get our insurance rate raised.
Assuming this is that a fraud, is settling it the best way?

Answer 1

Errrrr......

From an insurance company stand point.......you are REALLY jeopardizing a lot.

Let me give you a scenario:

There are fraudulent people out there. They stage these kinds of accidents all the time. They claim they are hurt - but don't go get medical treatment. There will be minor damage - that MIGHT have already been there. They squat their car in front of you KNOWING you are going to hit them. They don't make a big deal out of it so you don't report it to your insurance company and then they threaten you will allllll kinds of things. They go to their buddy mechanic who will write an estimate saying the frame is damaged. You don't know cars...how are you to know if it is real or not. The guy starts showing up at your job with a neck collar on and carrying a cane. Scary, huh? What do you do? You give in because you're scared. That doesn't have to happen

Please....report to your insurance company so you don't get ripped off and a fraudulent person doesn't get away with yet ANOTHER crime.

You know - rates go up because of Fraud. Accidents are accidents. That's what you pay your insurance company for in a situation like this. Protection from predators.

If your rates DO go up - they can't go up until your policy renewal. They can't just jack them up on you whenever they want. When they tell you that your policy is going to renew in 60 days - that is when you can start looking around for a different insurance company if you don't want to pay the new rates. You DO have options. YOU are the customer and you do NOT have to be held hostage by any insurance company.

So.....you know what to do, right? Get him off your back. Call your insurance company. Even if he is not a fraud perpetrator....that's one less thing you are going to have to worry about.

Got it?

Goodluck!

~jifr!

Answer 2

NO!!

Stop right now and refuse to talk to him PERIOD. Turn over everything including his attempt to settle without contacting insurance companies to your agent. I will bet a few dollars to donuts that either he doesn't have insurance (its not hard to fake an insurance card) or he will scam the hell out of you. You pay insurance for a reason so its time to make the best use out of those payments.

Answer 3

DO NOT SETTLE ON YOUR OWN. It will create a NIGHTMARE, if he comes back next week with $1,000 of medical bills for you to pay.

Settling on your own can VOID your policy coverage for this accident - which means, YOU will have to write the check for his medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

And believe me, THIS GUY sounds like he's going to come back with a pain and suffering claim.

Answer 4

I always feel better getting the police involved.