Auto Insurance Claims: Uncertain about blame in accident, paint repairs, police assistance

Question
Hi Richard,

I have had a strange mishap two days ago, where I was involved in a car accident. I had a green light, and I was making a right turn into the right lane because there was nobody in the intersection. As I was turning, a car appears out of nowhere (I honestly don't know where), and I ended up  bumping her the back bumper on the right side near the tire with the front left end of my front bumper. Immediately I thought I made a mistake and caused the accident, but there were some things that I considered afterwards that lead me to think that at the very least, I was not entirely at fault. That I hit her back end on the right side suggests she may have shot out from the opposing street and veered to make a left turn into my right turn lane just as I was turning. However, I do not know if that is the case -- and there were no witnesses. The woman admitted to having had two accidents before this very month, was initially unwilling to exchange insurance information with me, and, as she had a cell phone, was unable to contact police assistance. Do you think that there is a good chance at disputing an insurance claim if she decides to file one against me? The damage consisted only of a light smudge on my car and a dark smudge on the bottom half of her rear bumper, on the left side near the tire. I realize that paint repairs are costly and that tickets and accidents on file do not help. I feel that there may have been at the very least, mutual fault and I'm asking if you see me having a reasonable chance at contesting this with the insurance company.

Answer
Hi Stephen,

Considering the minimal nature of the damage, the other person will likely not file a claim. If they do, you should adamantly deny any fault, indicating that the other driver came from across the street as you said. The likely scenario then is that they will find each of you 50% at fault.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh