Got into a car accident

[ViperV990]

Yeah, I got rear-ended this morning on my way to school.

The damage wasn't too bad. The bumper even returned to near-original shape, and otherwise there's only a minor chip from one of the tail lights. The plate got bent slightly and both license plate lights assemblies got popped of the bumper.

I don't think I've hurt myself either, but my neck seems to feel a little tense and sore. Maybe I'm just imagining it.

Now I haven't been in an accident for quite awhile now (can you imagine =P) and I'm not exactly sure how to proceed with claims etc.

First of all the guy that rear-ended me is insured by his dad. At the site of the accident where we exchanged information I believe he said he was going to file a claim with his insurance co. and I should do the same with mine. An hour later he called me and said that he was willing to work out a deal privately and he wasn't going to file a claim until I went and do so. I told him I'd do a bit of research first and would let him know when I have it figured out.

Now I myself only have liability insurance. So there really isn't a point to file anything with my own insurance co.

Should I go and call up his insurance company? What would I be getting if I did so? I suppose all I'd get would be some cash and that's it, so if the guy's willing to pay out of his pocket why should I bother with it?

I know I am supposed to file a report with DMV (and maybe the police and my insurance co) if the damage is in excess of $500. But isn't that going to hurt my insurance rate even if I'm not at fault? I'm not even sure if the damage to my car is above $500. Why should I even bother?

Well I think I should go have my car (and maybe even myself) looked at first.

I'm still reading up on what to do exactly, but I figured I can always ask for a bit of advice here. If anything please post what you think I should do and more importantly, why.

Thanks!

 

[Kalbi]

Rear-ended = 100% his fault

If he's willing to pony up cash, why not?

 

[sixone]

Don't do anything for a few days, maybe a week. See how your neck/back are doing - you don't want to lose any chance to get medical expenses covered, should you need them.

 

[Gibson486]

Well, no matter what you chosse, you will not have to pay a dime, so i'd just go with teh insurance just for safety measures. Whether you choose to file or not is more for the other person's convenience of not getting points on his record.

 

I am pretty sure your insurance company will tell you to talk to his insurance company. I had something like this happen going to school one time and my insurance company told me that i had to call the other company. I had liability as well. Your rates wont go up since it wasnt your fault i believe...

Ohh ya, like Kalbi said, its %100 his fault if its rear-ender....

 

[GeneValgene]

it's always good to have a police citation in a situation like that

sometimes jerks will BS you...or the insurance company will BS you

 

[captains]

call your insurance company...you should have had a cop come to the accident as well. what stops the other person from saying u jammed on your brakes causing an accident and then sped off? the other person will then sue u for "medical bills" and what ever bull they can think of

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: buck
I am pretty sure your insurance company will tell you to talk to his insurance company. I had something like this happen going to school one time and my insurance company told me that i had to call the other company. I had liability as well. Your rates wont go up since it wasnt your fault i believe...

Ohh ya, like Kalbi said, its %100 his fault if its rear-ender....

your insurance company told you to talk? If my company told me to do that, I'd be looking for another insurance company right away.