re-ended someone in no-fault state

[deedrop]

I rear-ended somone in a no fault state (California) and I was hoping that someone could explain to me in plain English what can/will happen now. I recently moved here, and I am told this is a no-fault state, what exactly does that mean? There was little damage done to his car, after the accident I gave him my name and number, insurance info(from out of state) and he gave me his name and number. He did not give me any insurance info and I suspect that he may not be covered. He did not phone the police and there was no report filed. I told him I would call him the next day, which I did, and he did not return my call. When/if he does call what should I tell him? What is the next step? Does he need to get an estimate? Or three? Will I pay anything out of pocket? Will out of state insurrance cover this, plus this was my brother's truck that I was driving. Does any of that matter? My brother seems to think that he will try to say he has whip-lash and I'm going to get sued big-time. Any help would be nice, thank you!

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

I rear-ended somone in a no fault state (California) and I was hoping that someone could explain to me in plain English what can/will happen now. I recently moved here, and I am told this is a no-fault state, what exactly does that mean? There was little damage done to his car, after the accident I gave him my name and number, insurance info(from out of state) and he gave me his name and number. He did not give me any insurance info and I suspect that he may not be covered. He did not phone the police and there was no report filed. I told him I would call him the next day, which I did, and he did not return my call. When/if he does call what should I tell him? What is the next step? Does he need to get an estimate? Or three? Will I pay anything out of pocket? Will out of state insurrance cover this, plus this was my brother's truck that I was driving. Does any of that matter? My brother seems to think that he will try to say he has whip-lash and I'm going to get sued big-time. Any help would be nice, thank you!

My response:

First, I'm going to make sure you understand this about California - - make no mistake; California is a FAULT Tort State. We here in California had "No-Fault" on the ballot and we soundly defeated it.

Report this matter to your insurance company. They will cover you, even if it was your brother's truck.

IAAL