Justin, Stand tall in the wind of injustice and report her. If you don't
it will only make the situation worse for the rest of the citizens of your
state. If motorists can count on you doing and saying nothing they will have
no incentive to maintain insurance on their cars.
In Louisiana over 50% of the cars on the road have no insurance. Because
of lack on enforcement. (We are trying to change this) Because of this our
Liability rates are astronomical compared to the rest of the US. I was just
quoted $400 for insurance for my TR-6 (6000 agreed value, 2500 mile limit on
mileage, 1 ticket in the last 5 years, no DWIs or accidents) from one the
major classic car insurance companies. I've seen quotes of 200-300 from
others on the list.
Good luck in what ever you decide to do. I hope you get your car back
the way it was.
Roger Helman
Justin Wagner wrote:
> I'm looking for some opinions here...
>
> You may recall, my car was backed into a few days ago. (It was parallel
> parked on the street, and the driver of a van, walked right by my car,
> seeing it was there... got in her van... and backed right into me.
> Obviously, just not thinking, and careless mistake.)
>
> You may also recall... the father of the driver claiming "YOU GET
> NOTHING, YOU HIT ME"... and after giving me minimal "insurance"
> information, ordered his daughter away...which led to me calling the
> police, etc. etc.
>
> Anyways...
>
> Turns out... They do not have current insurance.
>
> I called the driver, she is now taking her father's line, "I didn't hit
> you"...
>
> And the van had been full of their entire family... I have no doubt...
> that they will all now take that line, if asked to bear witness... I'm
> sure their father has taught them all well how to be liars.
>
> The question is...
>
> I have insurance, he doesn't.
>
> I had asked for $300.00 to settle the damage, but I'm sure it will be
> over $500.00 if I were to get an estimate.
>
> If I notify DMV of the accident... and report that it is over $500.00 in
> damage, she will lose her license for a year... regardless of any court
> decision regarding "fault"... BUT...
>
> If I make that report... MY insurance company will see it... and
> probably (in my experience) raise my insurance in the future. (I have a
> clean record, but let's just imagine that I got a speeding ticket or
> something later this year...to add to this.)
>
> I could also simply go straight to my own insurance company... where I
> do have coverage if the other driver is not insured... (I don't have
> comprehensive, otherwise.) ...but, once again... this will only lead to
> higher insurance costs in the future... (one way or another...)
>
> I was planning to paint my car later in the year anyways... I feel like
> I should just take a bite... and let this thing go... let her karma
> follow her... rather than stress myself... risk higher insurance
> costs... and... risk possible harassment from their family... (as I
> wouldn't be surprised if these people... who have no honor nor
> integrity, might just seek to reprisals for whatever I, the evil
> american dog, may do...
>
> comments?
>
> --Justin
--
Roger Helman 71 TR6 CC67866L
Digimation Inc. http://deepthought.digimation.com/rogerh/
New Orleans La.
www.digimation.com
Voice. 504.468.7898
Fax. 504.468.5494
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