Auto Insurance Claims: at fault accident, insurance record, seat belts

Question
A rear end accident occurred when we were at stopped at a light, the light turned green and the car in front of me and myself were both turning right, the car in front pushed on the gas really quick then slammed on the brakes, well she done it again too and that's when we hit her, very slow speed, maybe 5 mph. The only damage to her car was the plastic insert piece that goes into her hitch.  Her and her daughter were not wearing seat belts. We exchanged insurance info and I offered to replace the part without contacting the insurance company. She was fine with that. A cop was on the scene but we told him that we were going to handle it on our own without contacting the insurance company..I know now..big mistake!! Later that day I get a call from the insurance company stating this lady is filing a claim!  We have the same insurance company. The next day her daughter, who was not wearing a seat belt has to go to the doctor because she is sore. So now all of a sudden I go check the status of the claim online under my policy and it says "closed". What happened? I was never notified as to the outcome of this claim. Well the medical cost is $100 and the plastic piece is $826!!!! Do I have any rights at all?  Can I demand to see the repair estimate at all or even request a second opinion? As far as her daughter not wearing a seat belt...am I still liable for her doctor visit? I have only spoken with the adjuster twice about this whole thing. He said he would contact me, well it's only been 6 days and now it's over?  Please help me!! I have a perfect insurance record and very great rates and now I am in fear they will go up because I think this lady is trying to pull a fast one!!  Oh by the way...no damage to my car, but she had preexisting damage to her bumper)

Answer
Hi Joanna,

This type of thing happens all the time, but I would not worry.  Even though the lady hit her brakes 2 times, you are still considered to be at fault. Your insurance company investigates any claims that are made.  They would have verified the damage as well as the cost to repair the vehicle. They should have also had the lady sign a release form in exchange for the $100.00 medical payment. This is done to protect you from larger medical bills being presented later on.

You should still call your adjuster to verify all of this.  You should also call your agent or the insurance company underwriting department to see what affect if any this will have on your policy and premiums.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh