Involved in a car accident- other person at fault
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Anonymous
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I was just in a car accident and was told at the scene that the other driver was at fault (other driver also received a citation). I called my insurance company and gave a statement. Following this, they told me I have 2 options- to go through them and they will then try to recover the money from the other insurance or just go through the other insurance.
I expect that my car is a total loss (airbag deployed). I am dealing with some injuries, but nothing I have to stay in the hospital for. Which one is advised? If I go through the other person’s insurance, will things take longer since they are not “my” company? If I go through mine, will my rates go up through no fault of my own? I feel very overwhelmed. Thank you for any advice. |
Anonymous
| Go through your own insurance |
Anonymous
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Whoa, I have never heard of such a thing! I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with that.
I would definitely let my insurance company handle it (although I would be freaked out that they gave you an option). You’re not at all equipped to pursue another insurance company. |
Anonymous
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I’ve always gone through the at fault driver’s insurance. It hasn’t taken significantly longer.
What takes longer is if you fight them totaling the car (which people often do if the car is in “better” condition than a blue book would indicate: lower miles, unique attributes, etc), if the repair places need to order parts (this is the fault of the manufacturer/distributor though), of if you are super specific in shopping for a replacement. For medical and lost wages, I’ve found those to be reimbursed quickly, but mine were pretty straightforward (an ambulance ride, an ER doc evaluation, X-rays, stitches, some prescriptions, and two days off work as a regular W2 employee). Obviously the more complications or ambiguities, the longer it takes to adjudicate. And if you have to take it to court, that’s going to take a long time. |
Anonymous
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OP, hope you’re ok.
Involve your insurance. They will help and guide you. The other insurance is there to help the other driver and themselves. Your insurance should look out for you. If the accident is not your fault, your rates will not go up. |
Anonymous
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Go through other driver's insurance. Since you have a police report with citation, you're in good shape (literally).
Call the other driver's insurance and provide them with accident information and go from there. I just got my car fixed from a lady's running red light. They (State Farm) was very responsive. If there's problem, you can file a complaint with state insurance commission and/or go to court. Don't stress out too much about it, focus on your recovery. You got the police report in your favor. That's the most important thing. |
Anonymous
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I'm so confused by this choice. It's like do you want to pay in American Dollars or euros?
Shouldn't your insurance company know the right answer and not strangers on the internet? |
Anonymous
| PP here, I called my insurance after the accident, and they advised me to use the other driver's insurance for direct communication and to avoid paying my deductible. |
Anonymous
| If you have serious injuries, then a lawyer. If the injuries are minor, your insurance company. That's part of what you pay them for |
Anonymous
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If you go through yours you will pay a deductible. Also you won’t get pain and suffering. It all takes long - whether you do it through yours or theirs.
One caution. Usually citations are helpful but the insurer does not have to accept it as a definitive finding of fault. They can do their own investigation and reach a different conclusion. If that occurs, it will take a long time whereas your insurance will have to pay you regardless of fault. |
Anonymous
| I know not the same situation but this happened to me with a minor accident where everyone agreed it was all other drivers fault. But both of us were insured with geico so much simpler and I didn’t owe one cent toward deductible or anything else |
Anonymous
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I’m the OP. It’s interesting reading this thread as there’s definitely a range in answers. I’m going to call the other insurance today and feel them out. Their reputation is pretty decent (Erie).
As the accident just occurred this weekend, I’m not sure what will come of lost wages, doctor visits, etc. I do have a broken rib which is going to be challenging. But first I need a car so I can get around! |
Anonymous
No do not call the other insurance company, get a lawyer!!! They will so all the work for you. Getting a lawyer is not about ambulance chasing but streamlining paperwork and settlement. |
Anonymous
The ambulance chasers have the process down to a science. If you don't need the money immediately, call the firm from which ever add you like best. If it's just property damage or property damage and a one time medical bill, you don't need a lawyer, but once you get into lost work and ongoing treatment, insurance is going to start looking to save money and short change you |
Anonymous
| I dont think your insurance co will raise your rates as the citation documents that the accident in not your fault. Personally I would go through my insurance company regardless of the deductible unless that $ is significant to you. |