Auto Accident

[kiyiya]

Hello,

I was involved in a minor accident on 9-7-00.
I rear-ended someone when their car stalled while pulling out into the road. I got out and asked if they were ok; they replied that they were. There was no damage to either vehicle as agreed by me and the other party. They had obviously been drinking and had said not to call the police. I agreed and we went on our way. Two days later they call and say that they did indeed sustatin some damage to their vehicle and they are going to get an estimate and they expect me to pay. I would never have left the scene of the accident if I thought that there was any damage. There clearly was not as they agreed at the time. What should I do?

Roger

 

[lawrat]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

This is why if something like this ever happens again, you should ALWAYS contact the police and make sure you get the license plate number of the vehicle before they have a chance to flee (by car or by foot).

Okay, basically, you need to contact your insurance company and have them fight it on behalf of you. The insurance company will hire an attorney on your behalf. Remember one thing though, and many people do not know this, YOU are the client, not the insurance company. Attorney client confidentiality and settlement negotiations are on your behalf and should be kept that way.

If you suspect the person was drinking and there was no damage to your vehicle, get pictures of your car, if there are witnesses to the accident get their statements, get the attorney to investigate this guy's drinking issue. Perhaps uncovering old DUI charges?, etc.