by Guest » Wed Nov 26, 2008 02:55 am
Hi,
I am a Northern California driver and was the victim of a road rage incident. I am so upset as the other driver terrorized me for a mile and finally ended up hitting me. The damage wasn't too severe (my guess is less than $2,000 on my car and the other car even less) as I am physically ok but am having nightmares and the like.
My problem is that the other driver has decided to totally lie about the incident. He lied to the police (who couldn't have been more indifferent) and to his insurance company. I am going to make efforts to find witnesses, to get mechanics' opinions on how the damage was caused and I guess to get hold of the 911 call I made while the incident was happening.
I don't know what to do. The incident was at night and it was very scary. I was too frightened to leave my car as the other driver was acting very crazy after the accident. He admitted blame to me (even attempting to tape up my damage) but once the police came his story changed.
Obviously, any advice would be appreciated. We both share the same insurance company, Progressive.
I am concerned because the early indications are that Progressive really just calls this as "disputed" and I assume apportions blame equally. A he said, she said type of thing.
Can someone tell me what I should do that would best protect my driving record and insurance rates? Does this type of claim impact my insurance rates? I am sick over this. I was the victim of a crime and now I have to go through this.
Thanks very much for your time in looking at my problem.
I am a Northern California driver and was the victim of a road rage incident. I am so upset as the other driver terrorized me for a mile and finally ended up hitting me. The damage wasn't too severe (my guess is less than $2,000 on my car and the other car even less) as I am physically ok but am having nightmares and the like.
My problem is that the other driver has decided to totally lie about the incident. He lied to the police (who couldn't have been more indifferent) and to his insurance company. I am going to make efforts to find witnesses, to get mechanics' opinions on how the damage was caused and I guess to get hold of the 911 call I made while the incident was happening.
I don't know what to do. The incident was at night and it was very scary. I was too frightened to leave my car as the other driver was acting very crazy after the accident. He admitted blame to me (even attempting to tape up my damage) but once the police came his story changed.
Obviously, any advice would be appreciated. We both share the same insurance company, Progressive.
I am concerned because the early indications are that Progressive really just calls this as "disputed" and I assume apportions blame equally. A he said, she said type of thing.
Can someone tell me what I should do that would best protect my driving record and insurance rates? Does this type of claim impact my insurance rates? I am sick over this. I was the victim of a crime and now I have to go through this.
Thanks very much for your time in looking at my problem.
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 04:55 am Post Subject:
Wow!! I'm missing Lori in this thread. Hope she will be around soon.
June, I empathize with you, quite obvious that you are scared.
What the other driver has told to the police? And what was your version of the incident? I'd suggest that you contact your insurer and report the matter, and since you both have the same insurer, Progressive is responsible to protect both yours and the other guy's interest.
I'd suggest that you turn the claim to Progressive and let the proficient adjusters do their job. Take pictures of both the vehicles, try to get some witnesses. The adjusters can actually determine the at-fault driver from evidences like the point of impact, degree of impact and so forth. And also hang tight for the experts to drop in to this discussion.
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 05:16 am Post Subject:
Can someone tell me what I should do that would best protect my driving record and insurance rates? Does this type of claim impact my insurance rates? I am sick over this. I was the victim of a crime and now I have to go through this.
Well, if its determined that you were somewhat responsible for the accident, it might affect your driving record as well as your premium rates.
Who was determined to be at-fault at the scene? Who was cited for the accident? I guess the police report is an important document to decide the at-fault party.
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:24 am Post Subject:
Ah June, I'm so sorry this happened...
I am concerned because the early indications are that Progressive really just calls this as "disputed" and I assume apportions blame equally. A he said, she said type of thing
Regardless of the carriers this would likely be the outcome...if there is no INDEPENDENT witness to verify different, and each party has a polar opposite story, and the damage could've resulted with either story...the company is ethically bound to believe their own insured...in your case it's the same company but each claim will be handled by a different adjuster and they will 'fight' it out..I assure you (it does become personal although it shouldn't and we all want ''our'' insured to win)...but when it all washes out...if there is no deciding factor it is just one word against the other...As to your tape of the 911 call, I don't know that would help because it could be 'said' that was your perception although it was wrong...(i'm not saying or believeing that just devils advocate)...so that won't help...witnesses yes of course....if you want to try and find some ask your adjuster to please hold up on a liability decision until you've had some time to try and prove your story...
It depends on your state and the stance your adjusters take...the stance they 'should' take is each respectfully deny the others claim..the stance they 'could' take if you are in a pure comparative state is 50/50 frankly if I were you I'd want it denied and allow my collision coverage to fix my car..if it comes to an impass.
The adjusters can actually determine the at-fault driver from evidences like the point of impact, degree of impact and so forth
jeremy this is true some times, but not always when there is a dispute..for instance, one guy says guy behind him rear ended him...other guy says no way he backed into me...damage is the same either way...see??June, be sure and tell your adjuster NOW that you are NOT ok in her accepting ANY liability for this loss yet..and you want some time to try and prove your version...fyi, the adjuster has the ultimate power to make this call but she should go along with this...
Tell us the versions of the story what the cop said etc..what state are you in etc.
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