QuestionI was involved in a rear end collision, as I was waiting in a line of 3 cars and this guy hit me from behind.
At the scene he provided false information about him and his car insurance. I was able to track him down through the police by his license plate number, he admitted to the police that he was responsible and that he gave false information out of panicking and that HE DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE.
I don't know now what to do, my car has been estimated by 2 auto body repair shops to be salvaged (the amount to be paid for repair is above the threshold of the car)
The guy agreed verbally to me that he will pay towards the book value of the car (retail price) in installments, but he did not do, and he is not showing any sign of cooperation, e.g. not showing up on appointments and not responding to my phone calls.
How shall I proceed, and will I be paid for the value of the car or the repair amount and how ?
I am in the state of Pennsylvania, and my insurance plan is for "liability only". The NADA retail value is around $5000 and KBB retail value is around $6000, and the estimate of damage repair is avg. 8500$.
Friends say that I have to go to some sort of court or something, and since I am not from USA I don't know how and where to start...
I will highly appreciate it if I can find some help somewhere.
Thank you very much.
AnswerMahmoud,
Yes, your friends are correct in their assessment of your situation. That is, small claims court is your recourse to recover the damages caused by the other driver. You have to find the magistrate's office in the jurisdiction of the party that caused the accident or the place where the accident took place. The limit for small claims court in Pennsylvania is $8000. I am not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice, however, I can freely share information that has helped others recover their losses.
Charlie
