QuestionHi I have a few questions that I was hoping you might help me with. I was invovled in an accident on 1/28 this year. I was driving my scooter down the left lane of a four lane avenue and there was a truck on the second to left lane stopped at the right light. Without his turning signal on he proceeded to make a left, I was coming up on the left side he apparently didn't see me and hit me. I went flying one way and my scooter the other. There was a witness standing in the corner who is willing to testify if need be. My injuries weren't that bad considering. I got xrayed and scanned. The officer on the scene was bitter to say the least. She ticketed him with improper lane change which he pleaded guilt to in court. In the report she made it seem like it was both our fault. Stating that he crossed all four lane and hit me. She did not mention the left turning signal, and when my witness ask her if she needed her statement she said no. Now it's 4/21, I have now let a few months go by to make sure I'm ok before calling in the claim. I called it in today and was asked why I waited so long, I said because I was monitoring my injuries and I had to work.
Questions:
1. Does it look bad if I have the police report fixed after the fact. Twice. I already called it in and had the Police officer put my statement in, she made it sound like I was doing it maliciously. And she didn't even write it down like I told her too. As well as she didn't write down that there was a witness who she refused to take a statement from. I have now contacted her sgt. to try and get this resolved.
2. Was waiting this long a bad idea?
3. I don't want to get an attoney invovled, because I really just want my scooter fixed and my med bills payed. I'm not out to sue anyone, but at this point should I.
4. How do I go about letting them know what I want without then using it against me? I want my scooter fixed, my medical bills payed, my workdays missed payed, and money to replace my damaged clothes. A letter?
Thanks for your reply!
AnswerHi Diego,
It does look bad that you did not report the accident right away. The insurance company would have been able to take statements from everyone while it was fresh in their minds. They would have also repaired or paid you for your scooter.
At this point you should write every thing in a letter. You will need to include all of your medical bills, a repair estimate for your scooter and receipts for your clothes. Send this letter and documents to the insurance company by certified mail. Then you will have to negotiate with them. If they do not seem cooperative you may need to seek the advice of an attorney.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
