Fender bender today-how to handle from here?

[Anonymous]

After 5 games today running my kids around, I had a moment of dumbness and bumped a car from behind today going less than 1 mile an hour. I immediately got out asked if they were ok. The driver was a huge guy, he got out and we both looked at our cars together. He was kind of rude, demanded I give him all my info which I did, assessed the cars, took a ton of pictures and absolutely no damage. The guy then pointed to side of his car-not the back where I bumped him and then said bumper looks to be coming out. I took pics of side of his car where he pointed to his bumper, (his car must be well over 12 years old) but he was huge and rude and my daughter was in car, I didnt want to jeopardize my situation. I called cops, they said for minor accidents, they will not come out if no damage and to just take pics and share insurance info.

I just got home, fed my kids. I am looking at all the pics and no damage at all but still feeling awful about this given his tone and how he might pursue me and has my info. My thought is I should call my insurance company asap to just make them aware of this. Or do I wait for him to contact me? Ughh...I feel like that was a moment of dumbness but everyone is fine and no damage but just the way he was looking at his 10 year old car and insinuating...I feel like I need to protect myself. Recommendations? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

He isn’t rude asking for your drivers license, insurance, etc. let him file with insurance. There could be underside damage or it did l knock the bumper off. Or, offer to pay for the repair. Pay directly to the body shop. Ask for three estimates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He isn’t rude asking for your drivers license, insurance, etc. let him file with insurance. There could be underside damage or it did l knock the bumper off. Or, offer to pay for the repair. Pay directly to the body shop. Ask for three estimates.

so dont call my own insurance? wait for him to reach out to me?

[Anonymous]

No, this was you being a good person. Someone hit and run us in a parking lot this week - fourth time that's happened in 22 years. It's terrible to be on that side.

You couldn't know the extent of damage without getting out. Glad you got photos and I hope it works out for you.

I'm not sure the best advice, but definitely use the photos if it comes to it. You have some of you car, too, right? And positions of each vehicle? If not, I'd at least take them now and draw out a diagram while it's fresh.

[Anonymous]

First off, take a deep breath. These things happen. Thats why they call them accidents. So, try not to beat yourself up too much. Everyone’s fine and that is the MoST important thing. (It does suck though and you now have to deal with the aftermath.)
I would just let the insurance companies handle it. That’s why we have insurance. There might not be any damage. The guy was rightfully miffed because you hit his vehicle. His insurance may even pay if you are in a no-fault state. You did the right thing by exchanging info and taking pics.

[Anonymous]

Notify your insurance asap. Let them handle this, that’s why you have insurance.

[Anonymous]

I would call your insurance. Give your statement and let them handle it. That is what you pay them for. I would not want to engage with him further.

[Anonymous]

Call you insurance soon and give your version of events. He already called his, so let the insurance companies work it out. Your insurance company knows what to do, it's their business.

Keep going on with your life. There's nothing to worry about.
If he comes to your house, just call the cop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He isn’t rude asking for your drivers license, insurance, etc. let him file with insurance. There could be underside damage or it did l knock the bumper off. Or, offer to pay for the repair. Pay directly to the body shop. Ask for three estimates.

so dont call my own insurance? wait for him to reach out to me?

He should file.

[Anonymous]

just call your insurance, it's probably fine to even wait until Monday morning to call them given its closed and weekend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Call you insurance soon and give your version of events. He already called his, so let the insurance companies work it out. Your insurance company knows what to do, it's their business.

Keep going on with your life. There's nothing to worry about.
If he comes to your house, just call the cop.

I tried to call but my insurance company is not open. Should I follow instructions to report a claim or just call back to speak with customer service once they reopen in morning?

[Anonymous]

Should have called insurance first thing
That's what you pay them for.
Let them deal with the guy and his company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Call you insurance soon and give your version of events. He already called his, so let the insurance companies work it out. Your insurance company knows what to do, it's their business.

Keep going on with your life. There's nothing to worry about.
If he comes to your house, just call the cop.

I tried to call but my insurance company is not open. Should I follow instructions to report a claim or just call back to speak with customer service once they reopen in morning?

You don’t need to report. He reports it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Should have called insurance first thing
That's what you pay them for.
Let them deal with the guy and his company.

True but sounds like op said she had kids in car and a trek home. Been there..so kid focused that you push in the moment to take care of when you get home then they are closed. Tomorrow am works too

[Anonymous]

never been in this situation, so do you have to let them photograph your drivers license?
or can you just share name/address/phone/insurance company and insurance #?