QuestionHi Mr. Hixenbaugh,
Hope this message finds you well.
I have a question regarding the accident I was involved in last week (7/17/10).
I was heading Eastbound on a major surface street, and the traffic was extremely congested (very typical afternoon Los Angeles). Since traffic was backed-up and I'm not able to move forward, I stopped my car to let someone make a left turn from the left-turn lane heading Westbound. As soon as this car made the left turn onto a side street, I was hit from behind by a VW Jetta. I got out of the car, and per the driver of the Jetta, he was hit from behind by another car (Chevy Corvette), and it pushed his car into my car. I was rushed to the hospital due to neck/back pain, and I was not able to stick around to get everyone's information and give my statement to the police. The person who made the left hand turn actually pulled over and presented herself as the witness. Later, as I was laying the hospital, I was interviewed by the police department and gave my side of the story. I've been in touch with my insurance company, and the Jetta's driver's insurance company. My insurance (Allstate) states that according to the police report and based on the extend of the damage to my bumper, it's the Jetta's fault, that he hit my car. But according to the insurance company of the driver of the VW Jetta (State Farm), their client states he was fully stopped and then the Corvette caused the accident and it's solely responsible. So, now all 3 parties' insurance companies (Allstate, State Farm, 21st Century)are trying to get in touch with the witness to get a more detailed account of what she saw.
My question is this, is there anything I can do to speed-up the process? I mean, the police report says it's the VW Jetta's fault, but the driver is telling his insurance company is the Corvette's fault. I know it's not my fault, because I stopped my car when I'm supposed to, and I was hit. Is this something I would need to hire a lawyer for? Or do you think State Farm will come to their senses and realize that their client is lying? What should I do?
Thanks!
AnswerHi Mark,
The only one here telling the truth for sure is you. There is no way to know how long this process could take or what the final outcome will be. Assuming you have collision coverage on your vehicle, you should have your insurance company pay for the damage to your car. You will have to pay your deductible but at least your vehicle will get repaired while while the parties continue to argue. It is possible that this process could go on for months and ultimately end up in arbitration between the insurance companies. You do not need to hire a lawyer as your insurance company will handle everything after your vehicle is repaired. If you do not have collision coverage then this becomes much more difficult since you will either have to pay for the repairs your self and wait for reimbursement or you will just have to wait untill everyone agrees who was at fault.
If your insurance company does pay, do not let them send you to a body shop. I know they are your insurance company but they are still only interested in their own bottom line. You shoud select a body shop based on your own research or referrals from friends or relatives.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
