Should've gotten his info...

[PandaGirl]

I hope you can help relieve my worry. A few days ago I was in a fender-bender. I was attempting to move into the right hand lane, inched out and stopped to look before proceeding and was hit in the passenger's side front fender by a van's driver's side metal rear bumper. Please note, I was not moving at the time I was hit. Needless to say all he got was a scratch on his driver's side above his rear wheel-well and my fender was smashed. Anyway, we pulled over, talked for a while and decided we were both at fault and rather than bring our insurance companies into this, we'd simply pay for our own damages. I was so shaken up, I agreed (assumming it was my fault for being in his lane to begin with). Anyway, we did not exchange info or names. Though I have a feeling he mentally noted my license plate number.

My question is, what should I do to cover myself in case he claims it was a hit and run or some such nonsense? I've already paid the $600 to fix my fender. Can I get into any hot water for not exchanging info with him?

I live in Massachusetts where the law only requires report of an accident to the authorites if someone is injured or if over $1000 damaged was incurred collectively. Neither of which apply to this accident.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[prairielaw3]

Sometimes injuries can manifest later and if your car damaged, as said, an estimate of over 1000 is likely anyhow. Why take a chance? Report it to the police and to your insurance co.

 

[PandaGirl]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by prairielaw3:
Sometimes injuries can manifest later and if your car damaged, as said, an estimate of over 1000 is likely anyhow. Why take a chance? Report it to the police and to your insurance co.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the advice, but I can't report the accident. I don't even have the guy's license plate number or name. I was lost in the city at the time and don't even know what street I was on. I don't know that I'd be able to give any helpful info to the police.

 

[bigdee]

I think you should protect yourself at all costs. I know you don't want your insurance rates to go up but If this guy wanted to sue you for damages, you don't have your insurance company in your corner to provide you with a lawyer. I had an accident which is posted on this site also. It wasn't my fault at all and I was nice to the people that caused the accident. Do you know he still lied to my insurance company? Don't trust anyone when it comes to an accident. You don't know them and they don't know you and they don't think twice about trying to get money from a case like this. I would like you to know, just because this guy wanted to be smart, I am sueing him for out of pocket expenses. I should sue for more than that. The person lives in Illinois and he thinks he's gotten away.