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[hr]Originally posted by: SkipBarber
dont forget to mention that you have incurred neck and back pains, and presto, paid vacation.[IMG]i/expressions/demon.gif[/IMG][IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG][hr]

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[hr]Originally posted by: CivicRicer02
wow just say she rearended you bing bang boom you have a body kit some exhaust and a nice looking car[hr]

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[hr]Originally posted by: XxSoVeReiGNxX
[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/IMG] I too had a backing-up incident. In a normal double sided row of parking spaces, the vehicle on the other side was this rusted old pickup (which either had small wheels or was lowered). I was backing into the space (cause it's easier to pull out when you're facing the direction you want to go. I could not see that the pickup's hatch door was not in it's up-right closed position. So I backed into it a little. It made a nice 1/2 foot dent in the face of my trunk lid.

Didn't want to get in trouble so I parked half way across that part of the lot. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/IMG] And I went for my haircut, which was all I wanted that day.

Luckily no paint chipping. It just looks like it was pushed in. Don't wanna pop it back out either, because then it would look like a little pitcher's mound was next to the license plate. [hr]

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[hr]Originally posted by: Sparty
Were you in reverse, or just rolling back? If your reverse lights weren't on, you're at fault w/o a doubt.[hr]

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[hr]Originally posted by: dragoon
remember it's very difficult to prove someone was backing into you. you have the upper hand on this one.[hr]

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[hr]Originally posted by: TwilightX
1. File a police report. It's important to do because your claims agent will be looking to get it. And if she files one and you don't, it reflects poorly on you for not reporting the accident. Different states have different laws, but you usually have about 5 business days to claim it. You can pick up the claim form at any precinct, but I think it's better if you pick one up from the precinct that covers the area that the accident was in.

2. Be as descriptive as possible when making the police report and telling your insurance company. This is important to make your case strong. If she's smart or has experience, then she'll be doing the same. BE TRUTHFUL.

3. Tell your insurance company as soon as possible, if you haven't already. Otherwise they're going to ask why you waited blah blah blah...

4. Be prepared for the accident to be "no-fault." Because if you didn't check all your mirrors, look back, and make sure you were clear of any marked traffic control devices, you're just as much at fault as she was. If you were a fraction at fault, it could STILL mean a hike in insurance and your deductible.

5. If she won't file a claim with her insurance agency, see how much it would be to repair and see if she's willing to settle out of claims...it could be cheaper than her deductible and might be willing to do the repairs. If she's unwilling, then expect to go to your insurance company to get the ruling.

6. You are not bound by any laws to talk to the other person's insurance company. If her insurance company calls asking for answers, simply politely ask them to speak with your claims agent to handle things. It's your right, and considering every word you say to her insurance company will be taken down and try to be used against you, it's better to let the insurance company figure it out.

7. What I found works great is taking the car to your dealer. Then when they send a claims agent, tell them that you've had the car inspected to see how much it would be, and that you have a quote from the dealership. Sometimes insurance companies will use it, sometimes they won't. But if they do, chances are you can get a quote much higher than what they'd normally shell out to you, and the adjuster will take the word of the dealership that the damage done both internally and externally is all written out. Don't forget that claims adjusters when they take a look at your car will only make a visual inspection. Any other damage will be assessed by the body shop that you take the car to. Additional money needed for the repairs will have to be reviewed by a claims adjuster AGAIN in order to determine if the "newly found" damage is correct.

8. Insurance companies don't have to use OEM parts (and they usually don't because OEM is more expensive for them to shell out), but it's your right to request it. Be aware of where the markings are for OEM parts. I had a body shop quote me for OEM and give me aftermarket just to get some more money out of me. It pays to know your car!

=

If you were at fault in any way, be the bigger person and admit to it. I know people tell you to look out for yourself, but bottom line, if you WERE (I stress IF) at fault, it's not fair to the other person. They could have far worse financial hardships than you. Considering she owned a land rover, I don't think hardship is an issue, but it's a matter of being honest. Karma does come around.

The main thing is to be truthful. If you don't and you're caught in a lie, you could have far worse repercussions than just a deductable and your insurance going up. If you haven't covered for very long with your insurance company, accidents can spell a cancellation of coverage. You haven't built up enough time with your insurance company for them to recognize that you're still a low-risk customer (if you haven't been covered for very long though them)

Since there are details that are left out, I thought I'd give you a broad range of things to be aware of, whether it applies to the situation or not. Hope that helps...[hr]