Auto insurance woes

[ckissick]

I was driving along a somewhat major highway (Highway 92, westbound toward Half Moon Bay, just east of Skyline Blvd., for those of you who like perusing Google Earth and analyzing accidents.) when a car pulls right out in front of me from a small access road to a cemetery. She was turning left (east) onto 92. I couldn't stop in time so my left-front hit her left quarter panel. She said she was sorry, her fault, etc. The damage wasn't bad; about $1500 worth on my car, less on her's.

A few days later, my insurance company told me that her insurance company (AAA) found me at fault. The driver told them that I had swerved over the yellow line and hit her. I gave a new statement saying that she was lying. So a few weeks later I get another call. This time she says I rear ended her when I was also coming out of the cemetery. How do you damage the left front of one car and the left-rear of the other in a rear-ender?

She had another version at one time. She has had three different stories, and the latest one is absurd. Yet AAA still says it was my fault, and that's how it's been resolved. I was my fault. So lying pays off, even easily proven lies.

[Steve Carlton]

It should be between your insurance company and AAA to decide. Without witnesses or a police report, I suspect you're stuck with their decision as far as rates are concerned with your company. Maybe switching to another company will help, I don't know.

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

I guess it's time to invest in front and rear dashcams.... been hearing some more stories like this as well. It's total BS!!

[legion]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

It should be between your insurance company and AAA to decide. Without witnesses or a police report, I suspect you're stuck with their decision as far as rates are concerned with your company. Maybe switching to another company will help, I don't know.

Do you have collision and/or comprehensive on your car? File a claim with your insurer, pay your deductible, and get it fixed. Assuming the facts settle out in your favor, they will subrogate against the other insurer and get you your deductible back. This may take up to a year if the AAA puts up a fight. Don't be afraid to call your insurer frequently for status updates.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by legion

Do you have collision and/or comprehensive on your car? File a claim with your insurer, pay your deductible, and get it fixed. Assuming the facts settle out in your favor, they will subrogate against the other insurer and get you your deductible back. This may take up to a year if the AAA puts up a fight. Don't be afraid to call your insurer frequently for status updates.

I have found that ins cos simply do not go after damages as it's more expense than eating it on smaller accidents. The OP either fights this personally or lets it go. That's why a cam or at least lot of pics before any cars are moved is so important.

[Icemaster]

You sure it's the other driver who's lying?

[GothingNC]

That sucks !
If it happens to me, I plan on recording the other drivers confession.

About 25 years ago a young driver made a left turn on front of me at a busy intersection. I ended up t-boning her car directly in the door. Luckily nobody got hurt and I had two witnesses in my favor.

Glad I had the witnesses that provided statements to the police because the other driver claimed I hit her car while she was parked in the parking lot nearby

[BeyGon]

switch to AAA, it looks like they work harder for their client.

[Baz]

Nowadays a dash cam is mandatory.

Plus take photos when an accident occurs showing where vehicles are and all around the accident scene.

Sorry for the hassle Charlie...there are some bad people out there.....

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by ckissick

She had another version at one time. She has had three different stories, and the latest one is absurd. Yet AAA still says it was my fault, and that's how it's been resolved. I was my fault. So lying pays off, even easily proven lies.

I had my first accident in forever a few months ago... Lady ran a red light. 6AM, no camera, no cops... Her word against mine, it's my fault because I was crossing "her" lane (after she ran a red light).. I'll even admit some fault, say 50%. But nope.

Hey some you win, some you lose. Don't lose sleep over it. Made no difference to me as far as outcome. I bought a dash cam. It beeps a lot...

[mepstein]

That’s why I told my kids to cal the po po if they ever got hit. I once got hit by an employee of a resort we stayed at. She told her insurance company that I was parked illegally and it was my fault she backed into me. I sent her insurance company the police report that said I was parked in the parking lot. Her insurance paid without another word to me and the resort gave me a free week after I told them how disappointed I was in the experience. They had published the email of the senior Vice President so that’s who I emailed. Didn’t bother with the low level people. He wrote me a nice note and said my free week was on the books for whenever I wanted.
My attorney friend always says that the person who documents the best, wins.

[Brando]

I agree 100% on getting a dash cam. I was recently hit in April on my motorcycle and the first question out of my agent's mouth was "Were you running a camera?" Mumbling under my breath "No but I will now..."

Especially in instances where the other person's integrity is questionable. Video recordings don't easily lie.

[Chocaholic]

Why didn’t you get a police report? Just a trusting soul? Really.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Why didn’t you get a police report? Just a trusting soul? Really.

I was hit from behind on the Bay Bridge by a semi driver(mexican dude and LA company) who got out and wanted to fight me.
Cops said call your insurance. Wouldn't show up.
Oakland police said SF juridiction. SF police said Oakland jurisdiction.
No report possible.

Was a passenger in a car t-boned in a crowded San Jose fleas market parking lot by mexican dude doing about 30mph around a corner.
Private property. Cops said call your insurance. Wouldn't show up.
No report possible.

[ckissick]

Originally Posted by Icemaster

You sure it's the other driver who's lying?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I didn't rear end her.