My son is fine, just a little scraped up. The people who owned the car followed my son home and asked to speak with me. They showed me the damage on their car and asked for my name and number and they gave me theirs. I'm not sure where to go from here. I was so panic striken in the moment I didn't think to call the police and I don't think my car insurance will cover the damage beings as it was my kid that hit their car, not my vehicle. Now that the worry for my son has worn off, I'm worried about what steps to take next. Any suggestions?
2007-09-05 10:32:02 · 14 answers · asked by razor_sharp_redhead 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Your car insurance has nothing to do with it. Your home owners or renters insurance will cover it. If there is a deductible or you have no insurance you are responsible for the amount. The other party can contact their insurance company but if the insurance company believes it was your son's fault they will come after you for payment.
Do not admit any liability. Let the insurance companies handle it.
2007-09-05 10:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I am wondering how much damage a boy on a bike could do to a car? Are you sure these people are not blaming your son for damage that was already present? My son, at about the same age, did the same thing and drove into a parked SUV. Neighbors were very concerned about him, not the car! And to this day (he is now 19) I tease him and tell him to be careful wherever he is driving, "after all, son, you DID drive into a PARKED vehicle!) He was scraped up pretty badly and did have to go to the ER. The fact that your son was not hurt (thank goodness!) makes we wonder if he really did the damage! I would contact my Homeowners Insur. I think they would be the ones to help in this situation, rather than the auto, since no car was involved. They may not be willing to help either, but it is worth a try. However, the person whose car was damaged, should be calling THEIR insur. to repair it and you would only have to pay their deductible, which, for a NON MOVING accident, should be fairly low. And their insurance adjuster can tell you if the damage is new and whether or not your son's bike could have truly caused it. Good luck and hang in there. Those teen years are just around the bend!
2007-09-05 10:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by dana0693 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Some kids just take a bit longer with their "motor skills" (that is the balancing / sporty / ball catching stuff). My daughter is 12 and only just started to be able to ride her bike ok and my son is 10 and can ride sort of ok, but has only just started to do so. He couldn't even balance on a skateboard earlier this year and now he is really gaining confidence. Yet my 4 year old flies around on his bike down hills and all over the place! Go figure...?? Every child is different. I have found the best thing that has helped my kids is that we now live on a really quiet street and they are allowed to take their bikes out whenever they like and practice and play (without help). He'll get it and be so proud of himself then... don't worry... and you can get his ears checked too as sometimes it is a balance thing... or do other things to help his balance skills, walking along the garden walls on the way to school or the store, balancing things on his hand so they don't fall (like a baseball bat... outside of course) and other skills to develop his balance.
2016-05-17 12:47:50 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank God your son is OK--NOw--keep the insurance out of it--there is no need to put a spot on your policy record--even if they won't pay, they put it in the file. So don't call car or especially HOMEOWNERS insurance--3 calls to them and you are dropped. Do you or any of your friends own a body shop?? Any friends know the owner of a body shop?? If they do send these people to the shop for repairs and pay for it . Do not let them go to their shop--an inflated bill will cost you a lot more AND they probably won't get the job done--they will keep the cash....most people do keep the cash. Just be friendly and tell them to go to the shop of yours and get it taken care of---and you pay the shop in person. The police can't do much now--it is too late--and you are not saying it didn't happen. The right thing to do is pay the bill--smile and wish them luck. Now--do not ever deal with them for MORE money--just tell them that this was all that you had and you have NO MORE TO GIVE--smile and shut the door. And get the kid a better bike before he gets into this again. Thank god he is OK..Relax, smile and good luck
2007-09-05 11:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by fire_inur_eyes 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Just focus on your boy for now. The car damage can be dealt with later. Call your insurance agent and find out if you are covered. Sometimes, homeowner's policies cover things like that. Just check on it.
And make sure the brakes on his bike are fixed properly!
2007-09-05 15:26:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
um you are responsible for the damage... just like if you break a window with a baseball... it was not on purpose but you are still responsible. I guess just have them go get an estimate and take care of the problem. if you don't have the money see if they will set you up on a payment plan. if they take you to court the same thing will happen the judge will agree it needs to get paid for in 15-30 days(or something like that) or you get a fine or ticket.
2007-09-05 10:40:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Call your insurance company and ask them. The people's car insurance should cover the damage, but they may come after you for it. Nothing you really can do, but wait. You are responsible for damage your children cause unfortunately.
2007-09-05 10:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Have a word with a solicitor o your ins.urance broker for some advice. Then wait to see what the other driver claims from you.
You caould take your son to the doctor to have his scrapes checked out , then out in a caliam against the othher drivers insurance for your sons bike and personal injury and fright. Were there any witnesses to this accident? if not its the drivers word against yours.
2007-09-05 10:38:53 · answer #8 · answered by bri 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This is not an auto claim (on your side). Call your homeowners insurance and tell them the whole story.
2007-09-05 10:38:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
How much damage can a bike do to a car? Surely it's less than the deductible on most insurance policies!
2007-09-05 10:36:37 · answer #10 · answered by Geezer 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋