Auto Insurance Claims: claim against other persons insurance, maughan, pickup truck

Question
Hi Sheldon,

My situation is this: While traveling on the freeway, a pickup truck stopped in front of me due to another accident. Then I stopped, but the lady behind me didn't stop and hit my car which then hit the pickup truck. The police issued both myself and the lady a ticket for following too close, even though I told him that I had been stopped. The policeman said that without someone to confirm that I was stopped, I would have to go to court and tell the judge my story. My question is this -- can I file a claim against the lady who hit my car for repairs on my car if I was issued a ticket for following too closely, or would I have to wait and see if the judge will dismiss this ticket?

Answer
Hi Geoff-

I am sorry to hear about your accident.  This is not the first time I have heard this situation.  Unfortunately it seems fairly common that they assume you hit the car in front of you even if you stopped in time.  

You should report the accident to your insurance company and give your side of your story and they will talk to the other drivers involved, look at the cars and make a decision about who is at fault.  

Good luck

Sheldon Maughan
yourfarmersoffice.com