So the other driver who hit you, it’s a minor fender bender, thank goodness, comes to you and says, “Let’s don’t get the insurance companies involved. I’ll take care of everything.” What should you do? Is that a good idea?
Frankly, that’s not a good idea. You should go ahead and get their insurance information. And if the guy really does want to come through and pay, that’s one thing. But more likely than not, they won’t. The reason is just human nature. When they’re at the accident scene and they want to take care of things, that’s great, but as time drags on, human nature becomes more skeptical. They’re going to start questioning probably everything you do. You didn’t take it to the right body shop, you didn’t get the right estimates, they want to nickel and dime the repairs. Then if you go to the doctor, they’re going to say, “Well, you weren’t hurt.”
They’re going to question each and everything that you do. And as it goes further along, the less likely they’re going to be wanting to participate and pay like they should, especially when a rental car becomes involved.
The bottom line is: these matters cost a lot more money than most people think, and that’s why you carry insurance.
Likewise, all the while, the time is ticking down. You only have two years from the day of the accident in which to actually bring a lawsuit. So, if you spend nine months or a year and a half messing around with this at-fault driver trying to get the money from them, by the time you finally realize that they’re not going to come through, it may be too late for you to go any further.
It’s always better to turn it into the insurance companies and let them handle it. They’re professionals. That’s who you need to be dealing with.
CATEGORY: Bar Talk
