Got into a MV Accident on the way to work just now

[akshatp]

Three lane highway, I was traveling in the center lane, doing ~55, no cars in front of me for at least 10 car lengths. An old guy in an Acura MDX traveling in the right lane slightly ahead of me in the right lane (his rear was almost in line with my front) turns on his indicator and starts coming over to the middle lane. I must have been in his blind spot, so as he starts coming over I immediately brake and sound my horn. Once he was halfway over in the lane, he SLAMMED his brakes and my front-right hit him in the back-left. I was still braking as I hit his vehicle.

We pulled over, and he admitted that he didnt see me and that he panicked when he heard the horn and reacted by braking. He also acknowledged this when I told the story to the police officer.

My car has major damage to the front right headlight, hood and bumper. His car just has a bent exhaust tip and some bumper scratches. It seems my car just went under his bumper upon impact.

So its obviously his fault for not seeing me, but he didnt receive a summons (nor did I). How will this work as far as insurance goes? Will his company pay for my damages, or do I have to pay my deductible and have my rates go up? Does it depend on how the P.O. writes up the report?

I havent had an accident since I was 19 (thats 14 years ago), so I dont know how this is going to affect me.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[rudeguy]

I believe it depends what state you are in.

 

[Vette73]

Cal his insurance now and file a claim. Then wait for next step

 

[RKS]

sounds like improper lane change on the other driver. there can't be ACD since he swerved into your lane

edit: was anyone cited?

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: NSFW
I believe it depends what state you are in.

I'm in NJ (I beleive its a no fault state)

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Cal his insurance now and file a claim. Then wait for next step

I wont get the police report until Monday morning. Until then I wont know his insurance info. I just know its State Farm, but dont have a name or anything.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: RKS
sounds like improper lane change on the other driver. there can't be ACD since he swerved into your lane

edit: was anyone cited?

What is ACD?

He was not issued a citation.

 

[halik]

depends if your state is no fault or not

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: halik
depends if your state is no fault or not

http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/nofault/

NJ is a "choice" no fault state, meaning the insured policyholder can choose a policy based on the no-faulr system or traditional tort liability. I honestly have NO CLUE what I selected; i've had the same policy for years and don't remember.

 

[randay]

wow, you woulda been fine if you didnt honk your horn, bummer.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: randay
wow, you woulda been fine if you didnt honk your horn, bummer.

Tell me about it. I honked as a reaction to him coming into the lane without looking, and if I hadnt braked to begin with he would have sideswiped me with his right rear.

 

[RKS]

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: RKS
sounds like improper lane change on the other driver. there can't be ACD since he swerved into your lane

edit: was anyone cited?

What is ACD?

He was not issued a citation.

assured clear distance.

I'm sure your insurance companies will work it out. Doesn't sound like a major deal to work out. Doesn't seem like there are any injuries so you probably won't need any attorneys either.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: NSFW
I believe it depends what state you are in.

I'm in NJ (I beleive its a no fault state)

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Cal his insurance now and file a claim. Then wait for next step

I wont get the police report until Monday morning. Until then I wont know his insurance info. I just know its State Farm, but dont have a name or anything.

You didn't trade information? You should be notifying your insurance first thing tomorrow morning with all of his information and filing the claim thru them.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: NSFW
I believe it depends what state you are in.

I'm in NJ (I beleive its a no fault state)

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Cal his insurance now and file a claim. Then wait for next step

I wont get the police report until Monday morning. Until then I wont know his insurance info. I just know its State Farm, but dont have a name or anything.

You didn't trade information? You should be notifying your insurance first thing tomorrow morning with all of his information and filing the claim thru them.

The P.O. took the license, registration and insurance info. I assumed I would get it from the police report I get in a few days. Like I said, I havent been involved in an MVA in 14 years so I wasn't aware I should have done this when the cops are involved.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: RKS

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: RKS
sounds like improper lane change on the other driver. there can't be ACD since he swerved into your lane

edit: was anyone cited?

What is ACD?

He was not issued a citation.

assured clear distance.

I'm sure your insurance companies will work it out. Doesn't sound like a major deal to work out. Doesn't seem like there are any injuries so you probably won't need any attorneys either.

Yea Im sure it will get worked out, I just hope that his insurance company doesnt try to put the blame on me!! They arent going to want to pay, espeically since damage to his vehicle was so minimal!

 

[dman]

Sounds like he was honest w/ you and the cop, it should be in the report when it gets filed. It may take a while but you should be ok. Just don't sign any checks / agreements with the insurance companies until you are happy with the situation.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: akshatp
He also acknowledged this when I told the story to the police officer.

Lol, poor procedure on the cop's part. You're supposed to separate the "actors" and take each's statement completely separately.

But, as long as the cop transcribes his and your statements the way you think he received them, you'll be fine.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: Perknose

Originally posted by: akshatp
He also acknowledged this when I told the story to the police officer.

Lol, poor procedure on the cop's part. You're supposed to separate the "actors" and take each's statement completely separately.

But, as long as the cop transcribes his and your statements the way you think he received them, you'll be fine.

I hope he does.

 

[wiredspider]

I would have gotten a copy of his info, just for my own protection. Not that I don't trust the cop, but stuff happens...