UGHHH... car accident, got rear-ended. Need advice. What should/can I do? **Up with pics now**

[psteng19]

Pics here

the extent of body damage on the MB
kinda makes you wonder why the airbags deployed
damage to my car
look at the imprint of her license plates on my bumper



Let me just say first off that I screwed by not calling the cops and filing an accident report.
I was in a rush, and was not thinking straight. And I'm also not familiar with the procedures in the event of accidents.

I was driving along in stop and go traffic on the highway... you know the 0-30-0 mph.
I was at a full stop and the girl behind me wasn't paying attention and rear ended me... sent me flying and I hit the guy in front (no damage to his pickup or my front - he left after confirming this).

Her (daddy's) MB C320 air bags deployed (so she must've hit me at 20+ mph), front windshield cracked on passenger side (from airbag impact) and the front bumper got scratched up. I didn't notice anything more.
She had minor cuts and bruises, from the seat belt, and she was quite shaken up and scared.
Other than that, everyone was fine.

My good 'ole Sentra took it pretty well. My rear bumper got pushed in, and the side part flared out. I also can't open my trunk anymore.
I had minor whiplash... head bumped into the headrest, and I was just a little dizzy and have a slight headache now.

We both decided that we would settle this without involving the insurance company. I don't need my rates going up.
But we exchanged info (insurance, registration, names, number) just in case.
We both are covered by the same insurance company if that makes any difference.
What I did not get was her license. I don't know how important that was, but she looked VERY young, and so did her boyfriend. I would say barely old enough to drive. Maybe she doens't have a license?

Fortunately I had my digicam with me so I took pictures on the scene.
Unfortunately, I did not get the pickup driver's info, but I got his plates.

So what should/can I do?
What can she do to screw me over?

I'm just hoping her parents are honest people and will fork over the cash to fix my trunk... that's all I ask.

 

[nater]

just hope that her daddy didn't buy that car with his lawyer pay

 

[nater]

actually... when I got in my first(and only, knock on wood) accident we exchanged insurance info and personal contact info and that's it....didn't call the cops or anything. I got rear-ended and it was his fault 100%. After he hit me I was just pissed off, and not thinking, and just drove home without contacting the police. I called my dad who said that since we didn't call anyone to the scene I should go to the police station and at least fill out a report. The guy on the phone at the police station said it wasn't a big deal and they would take a look at my car. When I got there I found out that the guy I got in a wreck with had already been there and apparently said it was his fault--they didn't even look at my car. The insurance companies handled it from there.

Anyway, I would call your local police station, explain what happened, and see what they say. If you haven't talked to your insurance people yet, you need to do that ASAP.

 

[Rufio]

i would cover my own butt

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: nater
actually... when I got in my first(and only, knock on wood) accident we exchanged insurance info and personal contact info and that's it....didn't call the cops or anything. I got rear-ended and it was his fault 100%. After he hit me I was just pissed off, and not thinking, and just drove home without contacting the police. I called my dad who said that since we didn't call anyone to the scene I should go to the police station and at least fill out a report. The guy on the phone at the police station said it wasn't a big deal and they would take a look at my car. When I got there I found out that the guy I got in a wreck with had already been there and apparently said it was his fault--they didn't even look at my car. The insurance companies handled it from there.

Anyway, I would call your local police station, explain what happened, and see what they say. If you haven't talked to your insurance people yet, you need to do that ASAP.

But that's the whole point.
I definitely don't want to notify my insurance co. because my rates will go up.
Same with her.

I was just thinking to call her dad to explain the situation, and then fax him a fair auto repair quote, and ask him to write me a check. If not, we'll deal with the insurance company.

It's quite obvious she's at fault.
I have pics, witness and got rear ended

 

[nater]

your rates WILL NOT go up if it's not your fault.....if it's blatantly her fault like you say, and she admits to that, then her insurance company will pay for the damages to your car..that's what happened with me. I even went to the hospital just for a check up--that was covered by his insurance company. I ALSO got a $250 check for the inconvenience...and no, my rates did not go up.

 

[psteng19]

Hmmm... are you sure?

I was told that they go up regardless of who's at fault.
Especially if you have a history of car accidents (I have 1 other one a couple years ago), which makes you a risky driver (accident prone, etc.).

 

[nater]

I suppose it could vary, and that I got extremely lucky by him admitting complete fault...but that is what happened with me.

 

[narzy]

psteng19 I'm positive your rates won't go up. you NEED to tell your insurence company so that she can't file rediculas claims.

 

[psteng19]

Hmm... policies could vary by state, no?

Could they use anything against me if I just call them up and ask them to pay for my damages?

 

[slick230]

You know, instead of beating your meat posting here and burning precious time, why don't you just tell your insurance company? It's a good bet if she rear ended you you are not at fault, and your rates will not go up. Now, if you keep fvcking around on ATOT, and she files first and makes some BS claim, and you do get pegged for the accident somehow, you can kick yourself in the ass for wasting time.

 

[slick230]

Plus, if you don't report it, and it somehow comes out later on that you had an accident and didn't tell them, they just might drop your accident having ass for not fulfilling your end of the insurance policy agreement.

 

[psteng19]

What about the fact that we didn't get a police report.

Would that pose any problems if I contact the insurance company?

 

[nater]

file a police report first if you want. See what they say.

 

[nater]

like 99% of all rear-end wrecks are the person in behind's fault. THat's a known fact..

 

[NokiaDude]

Call the DMV IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!! File an accident claim ASAP! If she calls the DMV before you, you're @$$ is grass!!!! It looks like the DMV hav already closed today, so tomarrow give them a call first thing in the morning.

 

[psteng19]

why would I be screwed if she calls before me?

Taken from NY DMV site:

If you are in an accident, you must stop and exchange information with the involved drivers. If the accident caused property damage only, then exchange information about your driver license, insurance, and registration with the involved drivers. If a parked vehicle or other property is damaged, or if a domestic animal is injured, you must locate the owner or contact the police.

If the property damage of any person is $1,000 or more, all the involved drivers must file form MV-104 (Report of Motor Vehicle Accident). File form MV-104 with the DMV no more than 10 days after the accident. The DMV can suspend your driver license if you fail to report an accident.

So I have 10 days to file a report... phew...

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: psteng19
why would I be screwed if she calls before me?

cuz she can make up a bs story.

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: psteng19
why would I be screwed if she calls before me?

cuz she can make up a bs story.

Not if I have a witness and pics

 

[slick230]

Originally posted by: psteng19
why would I be screwed if she calls before me?

Taken from NY DMV site:

If you are in an accident, you must stop and exchange information with the involved drivers. If the accident caused property damage only, then exchange information about your driver license, insurance, and registration with the involved drivers. If a parked vehicle or other property is damaged, or if a domestic animal is injured, you must locate the owner or contact the police.

If the property damage of any person is $1,000 or more, all the involved drivers must file form MV-104 (Report of Motor Vehicle Accident). File form MV-104 with the DMV no more than 10 days after the accident. The DMV can suspend your driver license if you fail to report an accident.

So I have 10 days to file a report... phew...

But you WILL have to file the DMV report, because I can guarantee that it will cost more than $1000 to fix her daddy's Benz, with the airbags deployed and the windshield and bumper damaged.

Keep wasting time and fvcking around. I hope you get the shaft.

 

[bolido2000]

Why are u even posting here? You obviously made up your mind already.
You don't care that people are telling you to contact the cops
You don't want to contact your insurance.
You don't care if she files first and makes up some BS report.
You think you got your ass covered with pics and witnesses.
You shouldn't keep posting.

 

[thedarkwolf]

When she finds out how much its going to cost to fix the benz insurance will be involved. Those air bags aint cheap by any means.

 

[Ylen13]

call a lawyer immediately, he will tell you what to do, generally you should go and have a doctor check you out. General side effects after accident are pain in the neck, back pain and headace. You may have a delay reaction before you get them. You lawyer will get you the money for the car and also you will get some pain and suffering money.

to those that say he don't need attorney i totally disagree.

 

[Ylen13]

your insurance rate will not go up if its not your fault!!!!!!

 

[Gunslinger08]

How can people not know this stuff yet.... jesus. You shouldn't be driving if you don't know all about this.