by dank » Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:12 am
I was in an accident in which I was at fault. I got the ticket. I was not insured at time and the other driver was driving his dad's car. His father does not have collision coverage for him. Now the father wants me to repair his car or he'll take me small claims court. At the accident scene, the other driver and I commented on the fact that only the bumper had recieved damage, and the grill and headlights were spared. So neither of us were overly concerned about the cost of the repair. But now they are saying it's $2400 worth of damage!!! I don't have that kind of money. So, what are my options? What am I open to? And if I request someone of my choice to inspect the car, do I have to pay for travel?
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 03:37 am Post Subject:
You are entitled to the best defense that your money can buy.
I mentioned in a prior thread that many people offer to pay for the damages but then they learn it will cost a lot and always thing it's too much. Vehicle repair is not cheap these days.
With that being said, have your reviewed a copy of the person's estimate to see what is being repaired and what is being charged? Can you show that those items were not damaged as a result of the accident? I'm guessing from your post that now the father wants to have the headlights and grill replaced. The son does not own the car so what he thinks needs to be done might differ from the owner... who paid a lot of his good hard earned money toward the car.
Do you really want to have this go to court and have the other person obtain a judgement against you? A judgement will follow you the rest of your life if it's not paid. It would probably result in higher interest rates, possibility of being refused a job, etc.
Here is the flip side... if the father takes you to court and obtains a judgment, it still does not put any money in his pocket. Perhaps you want to sit down with him and go over the estimate. Would he be willing to have a 2nd shop give an estimate? If you want to pay someone to inspect the vehicle, you can do that... but again, you would need to pay for that expense.
Question... do you now have insurance?
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 04:30 am Post Subject:
At the accident scene, the other driver and I commented on the fact that only the bumper had recieved damage, and the grill and headlights were spared.
Quite a possibility that the father is exaggerating..
But did you do the first things first?
Did you take out the pics of the car immediately following the accident?
These days a lot of tricks are being played?
Thanks,
Plasmahectic
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 04:37 am Post Subject:
Hi,
You said that you two had commented regarding the bumper damage. You have also mentioned that you'd got the ticket. That is good to indicate that a police report was filed. Do I suppose that your comments were noted by the police officer? Also would like to know if there were any other witnesses to this accident!
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:13 am Post Subject:
Tscope gives really good advise here. You could even ask that the second estimate come from a shop you both agree on so that you know your are getting a true estimate.
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:17 am Post Subject:
MANY MANY MANY MANY MANY times headlamps, grilles, header panels etc...will ''appear'' fine, but are cracked or broken on the back side, all you have to do is review the estimate and damages, or see if they will meet you at a shop and to truly ascertain what is damaged...and then you owe for that damage period.
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:46 pm Post Subject:
I just had a grille and headlamp replaced on my 02 dodge dakota after my husband hit a deer. He wasn't going fast (so he says?!?!) and also the bumper. $22oo in damage. Thank goodness my deduct was only $50.
Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 09:20 pm Post Subject:
I would say absoultely you are going to be liable for the repairs. As stated earlier you do not want a judgement on your credit. You can not only be denied credit, jobs, etc but you can have your wages garnished not only for the money for the repairs but for the court costs, legal fees, garnishment, etc.
Look, I would get another estimate and then sit down with the guy and his son and maybe go over a payment plan of some sort. It will save you tons of money and anguish in the long run. Most adults are pretty understanding if you are honest and show them you just want to be responsible and do the right thing.
Just my opinion though.
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