What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
Here is the story:
I am living in LA. and while driving to work on the freeway, a car from another lane lost control in a corner and swerve into my lane blocking me between myself and the car in front of me. (She lost traction due to rain and hard late breaking during a corner), and I inevitably T-Boned her. Then an SUV rear ended me after the initial impact. Luckily I wasn't driving that fast (about 30-40mph and I was able to slow down to 10-20mph upon impact), so nobody was reported injury as of yet. After the accident, the CHP officer filed a police report and I took the name and insurance details from the other parties also taken a few photos as well. I had the whole incident on dashcam and my insurance has quickly determined I am 100% not at fault.
My car had no accident history, so now I would like to file a small claim for diminishing value. Since now I did report the incident to DMV since the damage exceeds 500USD. The repair cost is 14000 and counting. Though I would like to file against the other parties for small claim which I am currently arranging a professional appraisal service for this.
My question is the likelihood of success in such a claim?
I did a bit of research and found that I would file the claim against the at-fault parties instead of their insurer, is this true?
I did not get the at fault parties Address and Telephone No. which I need to file the small claim, I wonder where I could obtain this information?
My guess is that this will be a complicated process since there are 2 parties involve, and my insurance indicates its a split fault (frontal damage to front driver, and rear damage for the rear driver).
Many thanks,
Joseph
Here is the story:
I am living in LA. and while driving to work on the freeway, a car from another lane lost control in a corner and swerve into my lane blocking me between myself and the car in front of me. (She lost traction due to rain and hard late breaking during a corner), and I inevitably T-Boned her. Then an SUV rear ended me after the initial impact. Luckily I wasn't driving that fast (about 30-40mph and I was able to slow down to 10-20mph upon impact), so nobody was reported injury as of yet. After the accident, the CHP officer filed a police report and I took the name and insurance details from the other parties also taken a few photos as well. I had the whole incident on dashcam and my insurance has quickly determined I am 100% not at fault.
My car had no accident history, so now I would like to file a small claim for diminishing value. Since now I did report the incident to DMV since the damage exceeds 500USD. The repair cost is 14000 and counting. Though I would like to file against the other parties for small claim which I am currently arranging a professional appraisal service for this.
My question is the likelihood of success in such a claim?
I did a bit of research and found that I would file the claim against the at-fault parties instead of their insurer, is this true?
I did not get the at fault parties Address and Telephone No. which I need to file the small claim, I wonder where I could obtain this information?
My guess is that this will be a complicated process since there are 2 parties involve, and my insurance indicates its a split fault (frontal damage to front driver, and rear damage for the rear driver).
Many thanks,
Joseph
Last edited: