Hit and run...

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I remember many years ago when your situation in California made news all the way up here in Washington. Apparently, at the time your state laws held the driver of the following vehicle "responsible" in any and all "rear end" collisions.

It was at the point where insurance scammers were diving in and cutting off other drivers on the freeways, locking up their brakes, and causing rear end collisions. There was absolutely no recourse under California law at that time for the following driver who "rear ended" the car in front of them.

The California state legislature reportedly addressed this and changed the law. This was 20-30 years ago, at least.

I believe they did address the issue. People were doing this in wealthy areas like Beverly Hills. I had forgotten about that. Those are special circumstances and it is my belief that the change in the code references that particular scam, but in some broader terms.

However, I don't see someone trying that scam at speed in the HOV lane and then running off. So, this isn't that.

[legion]

Originally Posted by Zeke

I believe they did address the issue. People were doing this in wealthy areas like Beverly Hills. I had forgotten about that. Those are special circumstances and it is my belief that the change in the code references that particular scam, but in some broader terms.

However, I don't see someone trying that scam at speed in the HOV lane and then running off. So, this isn't that.

This scam is absolutely run on Interstates at speed.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by legion

This scam is absolutely run on Interstates at speed.

And they drive off? Or did you simply miss my point altogether.

[Arizona_928]

That's what is so fustrating. He took off. And it wasn't like I barely tapped him.
I hit him soo hard I had rear glass from his dodge avenger in my radiator... The back end of that 5,000$ car is trashed.

why did he run? No insurance... He didn't have another passenger to be in the HOV lane... He knew he would be labeled at fault... Maybe he was scared... who knows?! I will probably never know.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by AZ_porschekid

That's what is so fustrating. He took off. And it wasn't like I barely tapped him.
I hit him soo hard I had rear glass from his dodge avenger in my radiator... The back end of that 5,000$ car is trashed.

why did he run? No insurance... He didn't have another passenger to be in the HOV lane... He knew he would be labeled at fault... Maybe he was scared... who knows?! I will probably never know.

Might have been warrants out on him?

[Arizona_928]

Good news today. Usaa strong armed his insurance to taking full responsibility... Well prolly didn't have to try that hard.

If I didn't have his plate... Well **** me, right. Btw usaa claims are amazing.

[MRM]

The fraud maneuver of cutting someone off and throwing in the brakes is called the swoop and squat. It’s often done at highway speeds and usually includes a confederate pacing the target car to pin it in its lane when the other car cuts it off and throws on its brakes. The scam is that the vehicle that cut off the target is filed with passengers, all of whom claim serious injuries. Sometimes the companion car will stop and offer a statement claiming the target car was at fault. But to run the scam the cars need to stop at the scene of the accident and make a police report so they can make a claim against the target car’s insurance. It never involves a hit and run. There are insurance scams that involve hit and run claims, but those claims involve fake accidents and the report of a phantom driver. There’s no need to have an actual accident when the fraudster makes a hit and run claim. Sometimes they use a car that had previous damage repeatedly until someone notices.

There are many reasons why someone who caused an accident would try to run. Anything from having been drinking to just being scared and panicking to running because he didn’t want to get in trouble and thought he could get away with it. It’s hard to tell what was going on in the guy’s mind when he ran.

It’s poetic justice that he left his license plate behind and it’s great news that you were able to track him down and get his insurance company to pay up. Good work.

[mattdavis11]

Good to hear it worked out. Not so lucky here.


Update,

Her accident with the young girl was covered by our insurance, but before we could get the insurance company to look at, she plowed into the back of a non moving car at 60+mph. That car collected a few more cars, and did some damage to the local watering hole. Its a place where they have horse hitching rail or posts, one was taken out. The car she struck was in the road looking for parking we gather.

Bye bye. She has a different car of the same make and model now. It likely saved her life.

Our sons car was a total loss too, all taken care of now. He is in a different car as well.

Be safe!

[Arizona_928]

What!? You need to get her an uber or drive her around! Holy cow!

[mattdavis11]

It is a dangerous intersection. 60mph limit, bar on the corner at a 4 way signal light. She was passing through at 11:30pm. The whole family has intervened on her time of travel.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

It is a dangerous intersection. 60mph limit, bar on the corner at a 4 way signal light. She was passing through at 11:30pm. The whole family has intervened on her time of travel.

Glad she's okay. With that speed the physics aren't in your favor.
Send her to a defensive diving class. I picked up a few things of driving in town that I use as habit today. Slowing when I get to interactions (yes even if the light is green). Looking both ways before going into the intersection from red to green. Honestly that has saved me many many times from red light runners. That and the delay of a standard transmission.