Not my Porsche but I need some Advice

osidak · 07:17 AM

Was driving home late last night after seeing a local band. Sitting at the light some one (probably drunk) rear ended my 2000 Jetta.

I got out of the car saw my trunk had substained fairly heavy damage. I walk back to the driver of the Chevy pickup and asked him for his license and insurance. He said he would give it to me. I reached for my cell phone and he said "No cops ok no cops" I replied my car has been crunched pretty good I need to get a police report. He then said lets go to this parking lot and work things out. I asked that he stay right where he was but he insisted so I started to walk to my car which I left running. At this point the SOB sped off. I was able to catch up with him and get his tag.

We are in Charlotte NC which is right on the SC / NC boarder. He had SC tags. I called the cops while following him and they advised me to return to the accident scene. I gave my report and from what the cop told me there is much I will be able to do if the guy doesn't confess to it.

There where 3 people in my car including me and I got a good enough look at him to give a description.

What should I do next? My wife complained of a stiff neck last night but she said she feels ok this morning and my back feels a little stiff. I want this guys insurance to pay as I don't want my rates to jump because of this and I also want my friends/family and car put back into the great shape.

Oh I have his name and address for what that is worth.

thanks

Brian993 · Brian993's Garage

Leave the matter for the police. Give your insurance company everything you have, all information. Then sit back. Do not persue this person!!!! It will work out the way it should. He got nervous because he didnt want a OUI. They will get him and your insurance will handle the rest. Just thank god your all ok.

pookie · 05-04-2002, 07:32 AM

I sent you a private message about what you can do.
Contact me.

Early_S_Man · 05-04-2002, 07:32 AM

I would suggest contacting the NC State Police/Highway Patrol, the County Sherrif's Office, District Attorney, and the SC State Police. The local police probably won't get involved, but the Sherrif's Dept. probably will follow-up and coordinate with other depts.

I got all the help I needed a few years ago from the Sherrif's Dept. when an idiot rear-ended me in a store parking lot and wouldn't give her D.L. or insurance info.

I suggest doctor's appointments for all three of you with an orthopedist for X-rays and checkout, even if there aren't any syptoms!

Joeaksa · 05-04-2002, 07:59 AM

Agree with most of the above but do not sign anything, period! Give it to your insurance company and let them take care of it. You pay them to take care of idiots like this and let them do it.

If they do not seem to be doing anything, then make noise to your agent. I had the same thing happen with a trucker who sideswiped my 911 and then just drove off. Three other witnesses and my insurance had to pay to do the whole repair and what pissed me off is that it was put on MY record as a claim! After you look deeper it shows that it was a hit and run and not my fault but it did show up as a claim.

Go to the doctors and make sure everything is OK. A good friend of mine was rear-ended several years ago, six months later found out that his carotid artery had been ripped in the accident and ended up getting surgery... Be very careful what you sign and seek medical help if anything does not feel right.

Joe

osidak · 05-04-2002, 09:47 AM

Thanks for the quick responses. I will be contacting my insurance in a moment and find a lawyer as well. I get the feeling this won't be fun as my car doesn't have collision.

I will keep you guys posted and all my passengers will be heading to the doctor today. Looking at the damage I bet they will try to repair the trunk as there are no creases in the metal but it is tweaked for sure. I have a feeling I am not gonna be real happy with the repair.

thanks again

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Make sure you follow up frequently with any official that you contact. I would start with the police (state if it was on the highway) otherwise local. Then the DA and the Attorney General. The guy is a criminal, but not high on the priority list. You have to make it a priority for them.

When you talk to the insuranca agent, be sure that while you are filing with them, they make sure to let you know before they submit it as a claim against YOUR insurance..

In other words Be a pain in the @$$. It's the best way to get it done.