by Guest » Sat Sep 05, 2009 11:42 am
I was in a car accident involving 3 other cars I was the 4th car. The accident was really minor, everyone only got a little scratch on their bumpers. My car probably looks the worse because I hit the back of a 4-runner truck so I hit their tow rack (I think its called) We all exchanged insurance info and everyone seemed fine. Everyone got in their cars and drove away. Now today my insurance agent tells me one lady( so far) is claiming injuries and he doesn't think my insurance limits are enough. I just filed bankrupt about a month ago because I'm poor. I'm a single mom and am really afraid on what could happen, even having my paycheck garnished would surely leave me and my kid living in a shelter. Why are people so cruel? She even told me her truck is fine its made of steel, I have a cheap Dodge so of course my car had a hole in the front fender from the tow thingy but that was it. I don't even know what relation the 1st and 2nd car had to the accident as I did not see them til everyone pulled over. Another thing is I honestly think she had already hit the second car and then when I bumped her it was like a get out of jail free card she just said everything was my fault!! Did I mention I was only going at the most 13-15 miles per hour how bad can you be hurt in a 4-runner truck versus an Avenger? Please tell me I don't have to sell my first born?
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 11:41 am Post Subject:
Ok, Freakin' out, first things first...calm down some....and explain EXACTLY what happened in the accident...Did you hit her, pushing her into the guy in front of her, then that one into another? In other words were you the proximent cause (vehicle furthest back) in a minor chain reaction accident? If so then yes, you are on the hook for all three cars, and any injuries that resulted from that accident..If this is incorrect, then let us know what happened...
I don't even know what relation the 1st and 2nd car had to the accident as I did not see them til everyone pulled over.
Well what did they say after you all pulled over..what happened?Another thing is I honestly think she had already hit the second car and then when I bumped her it was like a get out of jail free card she just said everything was my fault!!
Your adjuster will investigate this..the most important question an adjuster asks in their statement is, ''how many impacts/bumps did you feel?" and they (adj) should ask this question of every person in these vehicles...Did I mention I was only going at the most 13-15 miles per hour how bad can you be hurt in a 4-runner truck versus an Avenger?
Well, to be honest, true injuries can occur at any speed, but I also see phony injuries daily...again you adjuster will investigate this..Please tell me I don't have to sell my first born?
No you won't be that lucky.. :lol: :lol: (kidding of course)...What will most likely happen is IF your policy limits are too low to cover the loss (what are you limits exactly)..then if that person has Underinsured motorist (either PD or BI, they can also use their own collision coverage to repair their vehicle.), they will file for that with their own carrier. Your carrier will not release your limits to that person without first getting a release from the injured party, thus protecting you from additional money being paid by you. Her carrier will run an asset search to see if it's a good idea to allow your limit to settle their subrogation claim in full...If what you've posted about your financial situation is correct, then you have nothing to worry about..Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 01:34 pm Post Subject:
How can people be so cruel? If you were not paying attention, caused an accident and hurt someone, you're wonder how they can be so cruel? Your financial situation is not, nor should it be, their concern.
The problem with steel bumpers is that they don't absorb much energy. They transfer the impact right into the cab of the vehicle. This is why a lot of damage can be better... it means all of the impact energy was absorbed by the outside of the vehicle.
What will happen is your carrier won't offer _any_ payment without everyone signing a release. This is because your carrier still has the obligation to protect you no matter what your limits are. If the other parties file with their own carriers (probably for their property damage only), their carriers will simply accept the amount your carrier is paying and call it a day. The worse case is that one of these people pay out of their own pocket for their loss and then pursue you directly and obtain a judgement. Your carrier will pay them the pro-rated amount of your limits and you'd be left to address the difference. But the chances of someone doing this are slim to none. I'm betting not many states allow wages to be garnished (some do, though).
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