Got Rear Ended, Has Questions

vigilantx · #1 04-23-2006, 05:59 PM

This is in Texas, yesturday.

This is the scenario. I was on my way home with my girlfriend. We were driving a Blue 1994 Toyota Previa. We were in the left lane, stopped behind a pre-2002 White Mustang, waiting for them to turn into a shopping center so we can continue driving. A few seconds pass, I look in my rear view mirror, and see a black Nissan Titan (I think it's a Titan, definitely a Nissan) coming at us at a relatively high speed, with the driver clearly not looking forward (off to the left), showing no signs of slowing down. The Nissan hit my Previa, causing us to go forward and hit the Mustang. Immediately I call the police. We go into the parking lot of the shopping center. The police let me know that unless a car is undriveable, a police officer will not be coming out to make a police report. She let me know to trade insurance information with the driver, and file a police report at the police station ourselves. At this point, it appears as though in the Nissan a male, probably in mid 30's was driving with mother (or mother in law) in passanger seat, with wife in back seat parellel with the driver (back passenger seat door was open making it obvious). The Mustang had no damage done to it what so ever, and the Mustang didn't really want to get too involved in the matter, but made himself availiable if the insurance company had any questions. The wife from the Nissan started to go on and on irrately about how I was not at a complete stop behind the Mustang, and thats the reason why my car hit the Mustang. I said that from where I was, I was at a complete stop, looked behind me, and saw the man looking to the left (There was a Hooter's-like restaurant in the shopping center parellel to where the accident happened to the left) and realized he wasn't slowing down. The lady proceeded to tell me off saying I had no idea what I was talking about, that there was nothing for him to even be looking at, so why would he be. The guy from the Mustang said that he heard the first impact, and once he heard it, he let go of his brakes. Thats the reason why there is no obvious damage to his car.

As far as I am concerned it should be reasonably cut and dry. I got rear ended, causing me to hit the Mustang. I am just looking for some level of reassurance that there is nothing the people in the Nissan can do to try to get out of this. The wife was acting very squirelly saying what did and did not happen, even though she was in the back seat the whole time.

Based on everything I have said, is it likely that something may go wrong and come back to get me out of this?

By the way, a few hours after the accident, I started having pains on the left and right side of my neck, making it uncomfortable for me to turn my head or look up.

ecmst12 · #2 04-23-2006, 11:27 PM

It's unlikely that you could be found at fault in any way over this.

But you need to report the accident to your insurance. Give them the other driver's information and they can take care of your medical bills and property damages, and get reimbursed from them.

smorr · #3 04-24-2006, 04:09 PM

Cut and dry kid. He hit you from behind. And I hope you went to the hospital to have your injury checked out... even though it was a couple hours later, that still counts as an injury. Apparently his wife must have x-ray vision... can see through her husbands head AND the back seat. Amazing! Keep the info on the Mustang, though.... you may need it.

vigilantx · #4 04-25-2006, 06:38 PM

I wanted to say thanks to the two of you for your help on this. I just talked to their insurance company, and hopefully they won't give me hell over all of this.

Yesturday, my right shoulder started having a lot of pain in it. I have to keep moving my arm behind me and rolling my shoulder around to get the pain to go away.

I hope all of this ends soon.

Charles

ecmst12 · #5 04-25-2006, 10:04 PM

It's very common for injuries to take several days and sometimes longer to show up. You should go to your doctor, get some x-rays, and from there probably physical therapy or chiropractor...if it doesn't get better after several weeks of that they'll want to look into a possible tear but hopefully it's just a strain that will heal over time.

vigilantx · #6 04-26-2006, 08:20 PM

I just got done talking to the insurance company, and apparently the driver of the black Nissan is claiming that I was in the verge of colliding with the white Mustange when they rear ended me.

This isn't true at all, but what do they have to benefit from making this up? I don't see how me being in motion during the collision changes the fact they rear ended me, especially since the guy in the white Mustange doesn't want to get involved in any of this since his car is fine.

What are the possible outcomes at this point?

ecmst12 · #7 04-26-2006, 08:51 PM

Doesn't seem relevant to me. Your insurance company will advocate for you. I would still suggest a lawyer if you're considering making a claim for personal injury though.

vigilantx · #8 04-26-2006, 08:54 PM

If their insurance company covers my medical bills and the work on the car, then I'm happy. I have no desire to take this any further. I just want this whole mess over with.

I truly appreciate all your help.