What do i do ! I crashed into someone and now they are trying to screw me over with extra damages?

Lord_Darkclaw

I'm not sure how insurance works in the USA, but in the UK you can usually drive another person's car with the restrcition that insurance coverage is limited to Third Party Only.

I'm sure your boyfriend will be prepared to say he was driving the car so tell this woman you think the amount she is asking for is too much and that she will have to deal with your boyfriend's insurer.

How old is her car? Is it brand new or an older car? A new color-matched bumper is expensive but a replacement from a breakers yard would cost maybe a tenth of the price.

It's possible that the trunk was damaged if your car is heavier than hers, you did hit it with enough force to knock the bumper off (and people in the USA do love massive cars) but I think it's more likely the damage was done in the previous accident.

At the scene of the accident did you tell her first that you weren't sure if you were insured or was she the first to suggest a cash settlement?
I'm wondering if SHE has insurance.

She should have exchanged details at the scene; she can take you to court but the only evidence she has is your own admission of liability and I don't think she'd get anything like $3800.

Loollea

this is why you should always call the police, it protects you from
the other person

Rsweet

No, she can't sue you because she is in fault for asking you to pay for extra damages that are not caused by you. She can't charge you for that. She should be asking the other person who damaged her trunk for extra expenses

My suggestion is to get your man's insurance company involved as soon as possible, (you wont get in trouble, lots of people drive without insurance, like me! ). You give them the details of the damage. When they will talk to the lady, she will say her bumper and trunk was damaged. Then they will know one of you are lying. So, they will do a check up of both cars, and obviously you're right so they will decide in your favour.

You'll be saved from paying so much money and who knows, if she tries to be a cow they might take her to court for false claims.

I have been in the exact same situation, so I know what I am talking about, don't wait any longer to contact your insurance company. In fact tell them she is making false claims.

entidtil

Sounds as if you are not in the USA so the rules may be different there but Are you sure you were not insured ? I would check to be sure. The rest of my "opine", however, does pertain to any country:
Let this tale be a lesson to others that we should NEVER try to "settle on our own". Always always, always, involve the insurance company. When you try to settle on your own, this is a typical result. The other party agrees on a price and then later, comes back to say some hidden damage was just found and now I need more money....or....My back hurts now and I need some more money for medical care.

ANF

Get an estimate for the repair to her car and then agree to pay what you believe to be nearer the price for the damage that you alone caused.
You were uninsured so be careful and just think, you might have killed someone while uninsured and then you would be in big trouble.

WelshLad

Your first mistake was allowing her to convince you not to get insurance involved. Always get the involved.

By not contacting the insurance/police and charging extras you are being conned.

Get insurance to make you are covered in the future.

Master Yoshi

Bumpers actually cost a lot on new vehicles since they are all plastic the whole thing has to be replaced even for the smallest amount of damage. For example, a 2005 Honda Civic, a front bumper approx. $1000 and up from dealer unpainted. Now you have to include the cost of the paint and painting it to match the car then you have to bring in the actual cost of installing the bumper. So even a bumper can cost a pretty penny but $3800 seems a little high. She can't take you to court unless she has evidence and witnesses but usually the police should be called to document any accidents that cost more than $500 as soon as they happen so she won't have a solid case against you if she does take you to court. Check with your boyfriend's insurance company because some will cover anyone driving the car over a certain age (usually 25) and some will not. Now my solution, since you agreed to pay for damages see if you can get some pictures of the car and go to 2 or 3 body shops for an estimate to get the car repaired ask them if they can get parts from a scrap yard. It can get very pricey as I don't know what type of car the other person was driving I was assuming it was a Honda Civic because they are very common cars so you could still be paying quite a bit. Next time if the damage looks pretty bad or there are any large body parts that look like they need replacing get the cops to document it(you don't necessarily have to get the insurance company involved) so at least there is a record of the incident so you can take her to court if she is trying to screw you. Sorry for the long speech but I hope is helps you in your predicament.

nessarthur

I've received a letter from the Police saying that I have been involved in a car accident and that I didn't exchange insurance details etc., they have my correct registration but I have no idea what they are talking about. I haven't been in accident. What do I do?

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