General Discussion

RVN VET71

(2,826 posts)

146. Always CYA, but if no injuries were reported, insurance will usually write it off.

Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:39 AM

Jan 14

About 30 years ago, my son was in a traffic jam and his car drifted ahead and bumped -- just touched -- the care in front of him. All passengers immediately got out of their car and started complaining of injuries and even called an ambulance. They sued for $20,000. It was an obvious scam but our insurance paid them.

I complained -- wtf? the car that was "hit" sustained no damage, not even a dent or bump! But insurance told me that insurance considered it better to pay (up to $20,000, he said , the exact amount the scammers demanded -- coincidence?)) then to go through the time and expense of a court battle. Our rate did not go up, but I was and remain angry that they'd let the bastards get away.

If no injuries were reported, your insurance should cover your car for book value.

Click here to purchase valentine hearts!

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Blue_Roses

171 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

I was in a pretty bad car accident ( Edited to add Update) [View all] Blue_Roses Jan 13 OP

Glad you're not badly hurt. Your passenger, too. MineralMan Jan 13 #1

Thank-you Blue_Roses Jan 13 #2

Get an attorney! Dustlawyer Jan 13 #112

Definitely! H2O Man Jan 13 #113

Glad you are ok. Makes some notes about the accident and gather all the particulars. Carry that around FSogol Jan 13 #3

Yeah, the policeman filling Blue_Roses Jan 13 #7

Witnesses? I was broadsided on the driver's side by a pickup truck wnylib Jan 13 #93

It might be that the poiceman is the closest you have to a witness so MadameButterfly Jan 13 #132

Cop's name should be on the accident report. wnylib Jan 13 #136

of course MadameButterfly Jan 13 #137

I'm betting that the insurance companies will wnylib Jan 13 #138

Glad it wasn't worse malaise Jan 13 #4

You're so sweet Blue_Roses Jan 13 #8

Yikes Blue Roses Faux pas Jan 13 #5

He was on the other Blue_Roses Jan 13 #11

That's some Faux pas Jan 13 #90

How scary! karin_sj Jan 13 #6

Yeah, me too Blue_Roses Jan 13 #14

If you were not in shock... rasputin1952 Jan 13 #44

Good news if the other driver admitted to the cop that he skidded on ice. 3Hotdogs Jan 13 #107

Hugggggggggggs. So glad it was not more serious, and glad you niyad Jan 13 #9

Thank-you Blue_Roses Jan 13 #17

This is sound advice. I second it. EverHopeful Jan 13 #19

What was the biggest problem Blue_Roses Jan 13 #30

I've been in 2 accidents where my car was moonscape Jan 13 #53

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #148

Their job is to avoid paying you. Keep that in mind. Lochloosa Jan 13 #84

My Insurance company True Blue American Jan 13 #98

I was referring to the at fault drivers' insurance. You should never make a statement to them. Lochloosa Jan 13 #101

After several months and having to go twice for estimates EverHopeful Jan 13 #85

This up here is the best advice from niyad. peacebuzzard Jan 13 #64

Amen to this! ShazzieB Jan 13 #121

I'm sorry that happened to you! yardwork Jan 13 #10

Thank-you Blue_Roses Jan 13 #21

Goodness! I am so glad no one was badly hurt. LoisB Jan 13 #12

Me too! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #18

I had a car accident in 1980, bad one. Archae Jan 13 #13

I was wondering about that Blue_Roses Jan 13 #27

Call Morgan and Morgan OLDMDDEM Jan 13 #15

Where are they located? Blue_Roses Jan 13 #24

From what I can tell, they are national. I only have a number for the MD/DC/VA area. Google them to get a local # OLDMDDEM Jan 13 #31

I'm relieved that you're okay, Blue Roses Niagara Jan 13 #16

Thank-you Blue_Roses Jan 13 #22

Damn! That sounds like you got T-boned! How scary! CrispyQ Jan 13 #20

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #34

I'm glad you are ok! babydollhead Jan 13 #23

I know!! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #37

If you are sore go to your Doctor. Don't minimize your pain, SaveOurDemocracy Jan 13 #66

Your insurance company is NOT your friend. No matter what the cutesy characters flvegan Jan 13 #25

The guardrail is my new friend. Blue_Roses Jan 13 #39

If you have a good insurance company True Blue American Jan 13 #99

Holy moly!! Thank heavens for guard rails!!!!!!! Nittersing Jan 13 #26

No Kidding!!! calimary Jan 14 #144

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #149

If you can, please let us know how you're doing. calimary Jan 17 #164

I am doing better Blue_Roses Jan 20 #165

I am so glad you are okay. 💙 sheshe2 Jan 13 #28

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #40

This message was self-deleted by its author Blue_Roses Jan 13 #41

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #150

Your reliving the scare is normal. pandr32 Jan 13 #29

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #43

Glad you're not hurt. Sorry about you having to buy a new car - a PIA. Liberal In Texas Jan 13 #32

Dealing with the drivers here Blue_Roses Jan 13 #47

We are family... rasputin1952 Jan 13 #33

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #45

You may have a little PTSD SARose Jan 13 #35

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #49

Having a near-death experience isn't normal either! You're in "normal" post trauma mode. electric_blue68 Jan 13 #131

This is so true Blue_Roses Jan 17 #151

🤞 It's highly likely stress related, but as your fellow DU'rs have suggested you get checked for (hoping Not) any... electric_blue68 Jan 17 #162

Good advice Farmer-Rick Jan 13 #70

So glad you are OK mcar Jan 13 #36

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 13 #51

Traumatic events can take years and years to deal with. So sorry this happened Karadeniz Jan 13 #38

Glad no one was badly hurt! CaptainTruth Jan 13 #42

Hang in there.... spanone Jan 13 #46

Fortunate That Nobody Was Badly Hurt ProfessorGAC Jan 13 #48

glad you are not hurt markie Jan 13 #50

What is the biggest Blue_Roses Jan 13 #55

I edited my first post markie Jan 13 #63

Documentation ! PhilG Jan 13 #52

That sounds so scary! Lulu KC Jan 13 #54

The most important thing is that everyone is alright!...and I'm so glad you are doing OK. sdfernando Jan 13 #56

Ride your insurance company HARD. Happy Hoosier Jan 13 #57

I'm glad you're okay! Erda Jan 13 #58

In addiition to likely PTSD, be aware that you might experience whiplash. niyad Jan 13 #59

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #152

I am so very glad that you got an attorney. Now, whoever calls you about niyad Jan 17 #163

So glad you are ok! Trueblue Texan Jan 13 #60

Hugs. Duncanpup Jan 13 #61

What a terrifying experience Wicked Blue Jan 13 #62

You seem to have nerves of steel when this car hit you. people Jan 13 #65

Thank-you Blue_Roses Jan 17 #153

I've not read all the responses . . . Bumbles Jan 13 #67

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #154

Do not try to deal with the insurance until you get the police report. camartinwv Jan 13 #68

Can you go back to the scene to take pics? MagickMuffin Jan 13 #69

Wow! That was an excellent reaction, quickly turning hard left FakeNoose Jan 13 #71

Thank-you Blue_Roses Jan 17 #155

Since you were working at the time Figarosmom Jan 13 #72

Do you happen to have a dash cam? I've been pretty lucky driving nearly 60 years, but luck has FailureToCommunicate Jan 13 #73

I was hit by a car while riding a bike. Life comes at us fast. Hope22 Jan 13 #74

Im going to second this comment. Lochloosa Jan 13 #83

In the meantime the insurance folks are hounding you!! Hope22 Jan 13 #91

You need to talk to a professional about what happen. erodriguez Jan 13 #75

Whew! Richluu Jan 13 #76

Whoa! I'm glad you are OK!! CousinIT Jan 13 #77

Terrifying! You are here and not severely injured. That is to be grateful for. Clouds Passing Jan 13 #78

Glad you're okay. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 13 #79

Im so glad you and your passenger werent slightlv Jan 13 #80

Wow... Blue_Roses Jan 17 #156

I'm glad you were not visibly injured but I'd get checked out anyway. badhair77 Jan 13 #81

Don't immediately sign anything leftieNanner Jan 13 #82

Best advice yet. See what your Insurance does. They get the Police report. True Blue American Jan 13 #100

Start a NOTEBOOK or diary ASAP. Ilsa Jan 13 #86

Oh jeez. I'm so glad you're OK. And all the other people involved. Scrivener7 Jan 13 #87

I once witnessed a multiple car accident. Swede Jan 13 #88

Glad you're alive no matter what. ancianita Jan 13 #89

Does Lyft have insurance for you or............ NGeorgian Jan 13 #92

We have to get our own personal Blue_Roses Jan 17 #157

Crucial to inform Lyft specifically of the crash dickthegrouch Jan 13 #94

Already done Blue_Roses Jan 17 #158

I understand bernieb Jan 13 #95

I feel for you! True Blue American Jan 13 #96

I've been in three bad accidents that weren't my fault. Liberty Belle Jan 13 #97

Thank-you! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #159

Good luck. Keep us posted. Liberty Belle Jan 20 #168

Hi! So sorry you are going through this. usedtobedemgurl Jan 13 #102

Thank-you so much! Blue_Roses Jan 17 #160

I'm glad you're ok. milestogo Jan 13 #103

My car was totaled out in 2023 CountAllVotes Jan 13 #104

I can relate. Sorry you are going through this. It's PTSD inducing. 58Sunliner Jan 13 #105

I am glad that you are okay LetMyPeopleVote Jan 13 #106

don't be in a hurry to sign anything Kali Jan 13 #108

Based on the length of this thread and the advice above Maeve Jan 13 #109

I was going to post the same thing about the length of this thread and coming to the right place. Scrolled all.... EarnestPutz Jan 13 #118

Glad you are ok! Passages Jan 13 #110

First and foremost Roxi Jan 13 #111

Wow, I'm glad that you're OK. Beacool Jan 13 #114

:grouphug: elleng Jan 13 #115

Car accident ms.pamela Jan 13 #116

Wow. I am glad you and yours were okay. OldBaldy1701E Jan 13 #117

Can't advise about the insurance, but I can relate to the accident. Dem2theMax Jan 13 #119

So glad you're OK! GPV Jan 13 #120

Can relate to almost going over - KT2000 Jan 13 #122

Oh. My. Gosh. Blue_Roses Jan 17 #161

Just here to say I'm so sorry that happened to you... Alice B. Jan 13 #123

In some states... druidity33 Jan 13 #124

Sorry this happened to you. HeartsCanHope Jan 13 #125

Glad you are okay Phentex Jan 13 #126

One thing I learned many years ago thinkingagain Jan 13 #127

Thank goodness you and your passenger both walked away. magicarpet Jan 13 #128

So glad you are OK. Insurance companies... Ugghhh. Keep us posted? Evolve Dammit Jan 13 #129

I avoided a serious accident because I had time to see a Hummer swerving across the median Rocknation Jan 13 #130

everyone survived. that's most important. sending good vibes BlueWaveNeverEnd Jan 13 #133

Glad you're OK minstrel76 Jan 13 #134

Get a personal injury lawyer ASAP MustLoveBeagles Jan 13 #135

Glad you are okay - lots of great info in this thread that helps us all Maru Kitteh Jan 13 #139

Get a personal injury lawyer drray23 Jan 13 #140

Glad you weren't hurt badly cate94 Jan 13 #141

Oh, BlueRoses, what a horrible, terrifying experience! summer_in_TX Jan 14 #142

That is terrible.. I am glad you are ok, you are both very lucky 🤗 Meowmee Jan 14 #143

Wow! N/T luvallpeeps Jan 14 #145

Always CYA, but if no injuries were reported, insurance will usually write it off. RVN VET71 Jan 14 #146

Sorry to hear, sounds like a scary experience - did you get medically checked? purr-rat beauty Jan 14 #147

A close brush with death is more than sobering Tom Rinaldo Jan 20 #166

That sounds horrifying Blue_Roses Jan 21 #171

Sorry you had to go through this but glad you were not injured and all is working out for you. Fla Dem Jan 20 #167

Good to hear your update. Good Luck on your doctor appointment! electric_blue68 Jan 20 #169

Thx for giving us the update. I hope everything goes well from here on. Hekate Jan 20 #170