accident dishonesty

[jen.]

I apologize because this is more or less just a rant, but why can't people just accept responsibility when they are at fault for an accident?

My brand new (to me at least) si was side swiped coming off the north east extension tonight. Slowing down to pay a toll and a mini van who obviously was not paying attention (from behind me) swiped my rear panel right above the driver's side rear tire well.

What irritated me most was not even the damage to my car, but the arrogance of the guy who's wife swiped it. I should note that their was a language barrier- he didn't really speak english, but he got out of his car, LAUGHED, and started videotaping.

I called the police, and apparently the guy's side of the story was that he was in front, went to merge to a different lane, and my car sped up so he hit the tail end of it..... that make so much sense considering I was slowing down for a toll both.

I just don't understand why people are dishonest. I mean, I get that it's expensive to be in an accident, but that's why you have insurance (and he did have insurance). I've been in an accident where I've been at fault and I've taken full responsibility and I just don't understand how someone could just get out, laugh, and not even ask if we were okay.

Has anyone had experience with an accident like this? It's still on the rear of my car, and the state trooper I called put the minivan that hit me as the primary person responsible, but he could not personally say they were 100% at fault because he did not witness the accident.

Do you think because its the rear of my car it will be a huge insurance battle? Or do you think the other person's fault will be evident?

[05OCsrt-4]

I apologize because this is more or less just a rant, but why can't people just accept responsibility when they are at fault for an accident?

My brand new (to me at least) si was side swiped coming off the north east extension tonight. Slowing down to pay a toll and a mini van who obviously was not paying attention (from behind me) swiped my rear panel right above the driver's side rear tire well.

What irritated me most was not even the damage to my car, but the arrogance of the guy who's wife swiped it. I should note that their was a language barrier- he didn't really speak english, but he got out of his car, LAUGHED, and started videotaping.

I called the police, and apparently the guy's side of the story was that he was in front, went to merge to a different lane, and my car sped up so he hit the tail end of it..... that make so much sense considering I was slowing down for a toll both.

I just don't understand why people are dishonest. I mean, I get that it's expensive to be in an accident, but that's why you have insurance (and he did have insurance). I've been in an accident where I've been at fault and I've taken full responsibility and I just don't understand how someone could just get out, laugh, and not even ask if we were okay.

Has anyone had experience with an accident like this? It's still on the rear of my car, and the state trooper I called put the minivan that hit me as the primary person responsible, but he could not personally say they were 100% at fault because he did not witness the accident.

Do you think because its the rear of my car it will be a huge insurance battle? Or do you think the other person's fault will be evident?

most likely in the event that you were hit in the rear they SHOULD be at fault

[BigWhiteTodd]

Thats when you pull out a bat or pipe and start beating them down if you have a gun much easier lol. but on a serious note i was at yield sign trying to merge and got rammed (no homo) but they said i was at fault at first, but then insurance looked into it and found me not to be the cause. just fight if your right nothing to worry about.

[kristen.]

thats ****ed up jen, i'm so sorry to hear that :-(
hopefully justice will be surved and you'll get everything worked out through insurance.

[justinlansdale]

whoops that was actually me ^ on kristen's s/n...

[russiankid]

There are camera's at toll booths.

[05OCsrt-4]

thats ****ed up jen, i'm so sorry to hear that :-(
hopefully justice will be surved and you'll get everything worked out through insurance.

served, sorry that just bothered me a little

[tomustang]

Has anyone had experience with an accident like this? It's still on the rear of my car, and the state trooper I called put the minivan that hit me as the primary person responsible, but he could not personally say they were 100% at fault because he did not witness the accident.

Nowadays it doesn't really matter whose at fault in an accident like that, both rates will go up unless you have the forgiveness clause.

[gsnar]

i got hit in the same place of my car and it wasnt my fault. but lucky for me the lady admitted it was her fault. sorry to hear that what an asshole

[jen.]

most likely in the event that you were hit in the rear they SHOULD be at fault

Yeah, that's what the cop said. Unfortunately he couldn't write that the other person was at fault 100% in the report because they gave a different story.

thats ****ed up jen, i'm so sorry to hear that :-(
hopefully justice will be surved and you'll get everything worked out through insurance.

Thanks Justin!

There are camera's at toll booths.

The accident happened as we were approaching, not inside as I was side swiped, so it obviously didn't happen within the confines of the median toll booth barriers. I don't know that it would have been caught on film.

Nowadays it doesn't really matter whose at fault in an accident like that, both rates will go up unless you have the forgiveness clause.

At this point, I almost don't care. I'm just vindictive enough where I want it to be considered their fault when it comes down to insurance because of their arrogance. It's absolutely unbelievable that they claimed no fault.

[sleeper15]

yeah, unfournatly, their's people out there like that. Like russiankid said, they got video camera's at toll boothes. All the cop needs to do is look at the tape.

[mcperson2k]

From my own personal experience with auto accidents, your better off lying to the officers than telling the truth. My Jeep was totaled simply because some girl was making a left, and just straight out turned in front of me and I tboned her. I was honest with the police officer, and told him I was probably doing 45-50 (the flow of traffic) and the speed limit was 45. Since I was honest about my speed, I was held 10% responsible for the accident, and that was after fighting with the woman's insurance company and getting them to 10% from 30%. I had just dropped my collision at the time, so I needed every penny of the value of my Jeep so that I could be on the road again. So basically some bomb shell blond turned right in front of me, and I was held accountable because I was doing 3mph over the speed limit. She even said in the police report: "Unit #2 was traveling very fast" so she openly admitted to seeing my car coming, but chose to turn anyway... but that's my fault some how.

We wouldn't be able to live with out the system, but boy is it screwed up.

[ricky2i5]

people think they're never at fault for an accident. some people are just assholes and unfortunately, they get away with it. ive gotten rear ended by a guy on his phone and he came out the car and asked if i seen him and it wasnt his fault bc someone was riding his ass, then he said that my car was too low and he didnt see me till last minute; i was in front of you asshole. complete prick but fortunately,there was a cop at the gas station on the intersection and witnessed the whole thing. GL with your situation, it is kinda obvious its his fault if damage is the the rear of your car.

[Proven]

There should be cameras at toll booths so you should ask the state trooper to have a look or have your insurance Company take action to get the tape. On the other hand you mentioned the guy didn't even have insurance so you could be screwed either way (its why its a law to have insurance).

Your insurance Company will prob. fix your damage and send him a bill that he will never pay. All you can hope for is that it goes to collections and goes on his credit (which I'm sure he could give a sh** about). He should of also gotten a fine for no insurance from the state trooper (make sure this happened or raise hell).

Sorry to hear this happened, good luck.

[Rogue]

insurance company would definitely pay for the damages unlike mine. i was hit when im turning on a right lane and a lady decides to turn right in the left straightaway into the side of my car. insurance blames me for reckless driving? i was on a street with road work going on how is that even possible? best of luck with this case jen

[c0nfl1kt]

Toll booth cameras ftw?

[lownslow95]

There are camera's at toll booths.

I was just going to say that toll booths have camera's on them. Have them check the tapes, and ask for a copy. WIN on your end. :)

[MPowerKai]

Yeah, that's what the cop said. Unfortunately he couldn't write that the other person was at fault 100% in the report because they gave a different story.

Police never write down who was at fault. They only write down the events that happened, your side of the story and theirs. Then its up to the insurance company. You should call up your insurance company and theirs to make a claim and tell them your side of the story and if you don't have a copy of the police report tell them the report number and get their fax numbers and who to make it attn to. After you fax it call them up again. It will definitely be their fault.

[jen.]

Police never write down who was at fault. They only write down the events that happened, your side of the story and theirs. Then its up to the insurance company. You should call up your insurance company and theirs to make a claim and tell them your side of the story and if you don't have a copy of the police report tell them the report number and get their fax numbers and who to make it attn to. After you fax it call them up again. It will definitely be their fault.

That's the next plan. I'm dealing with insurance company today, it was too late last night. I'm hoping the insurance company will deem that the other person was OBVIOUSLY at fault. I mean, they were behind us, weren't paying attention, and hit the left rear of my car.

I was appalled when they told the police they were ahead of us, went to switch lanes and we sped up. That's ridiculous, considering we had to slow down to pay a toll.


Also, I know toll booths have cameras. This happened a good 20-30 feet BEFORE the toll booth. I don't think the camera would catch that and even if it did, I doubt the police would subpoena the tapes just to check out a basic traffic accident.

[Scapegoat]

i thought its an automatic at fault if of the rear car in an accident.

[GHost240SX]

That's the next plan. I'm dealing with insurance company today, it was too late last night. I'm hoping the insurance company will deem that the other person was OBVIOUSLY at fault. I mean, they were behind us, weren't paying attention, and hit the left rear of my car.

I was appalled when they told the police they were ahead of us, went to switch lanes and we sped up. That's ridiculous, considering we had to slow down to pay a toll.


Also, I know toll booths have cameras. This happened a good 20-30 feet BEFORE the toll booth. I don't think the camera would catch that and even if it did, I doubt the police would subpoena the tapes just to check out a basic traffic accident.


I'm going to tell you right now, don't put any faith into insurance companies. They will protect each others best interest before they protect yours. When a drunk driver pulled out infront of my last year (actually a year ago yesterday), officer came an hr and 40 min later. And told me I skidded for 90 feet (wet road with no skid marks) and that I was 15 over the speed limit. Oh and keep in mind the lady that caused the accident fled the scene and received her second DUI with no jail time. Also, the police report said she fled the scene because she feared assault. I'm not one to claim racism, but this is a clear instance of it. After the impact, my ex-gf (white) and I got out of the car received a barrage of insults from the lady while my buddies ran back. 6 out of the 7 of my friends on that trip were white, and they checked to see that she was ok while my ex and i sat down on a curb 20ft away.

Dude trust no one in an accident, very few people are honest and forthright. And honestly if I would roll around with a digital camera. Or anything to gather as much evidence as possible. I told my self that if there's a next time, and the person tries to run, I will chase them down.....

[BlkWhtTSI]

i thought its an automatic at fault if of the rear car in an accident.

if there is proof or a neutral witness that says the front car stopped for no reason (like a brake check) the front car will be at fault.

I was rear ended in my truck and the guy said there was no damage, we stopper anyway and my bumper was really twisted. so i got him to give me his info, he was sooooo shady so i called the police and once he put it together that it was cops i was talking to and not my dad he bolted. He gave me 100% fake info. luckily i got his plate. Dude had a suspended license for DUI and it was his moms car. 1k in damage and he got fined for leaving providing false info and driving with out a license. Needless to say when he called my house and left a message i was standing right next to it giving the X-PAC SUCK IT!

[jen.]

i thought its an automatic at fault if of the rear car in an accident.

It is, however, it's on the rear side so it's apparently considered questionable now. What I'm hoping is that they will sort of just throw in the towel since it is still technically in the rear and say the other person is 100% at fault. I'll try to post pictures soon.

[DPancoast]

On the other hand you mentioned the guy didn't even have insurance so you could be screwed either way (its why its a law to have insurance).


That's what uninsured motorist coverage is for. Toll both cameras see a lot farther than you think. Ask them to check the tape.

Good luck

[Rush]

Dude trust no one in an accident, very few people are honest and forthright.
I agree 100%. People, in general, are assholes. As soon as an accident happens, take pictures and start calling people and getting as much information as you can about the other parties involved. And NEVER, NEVER let them leave, for ANY reason, until the police get there!

I do have to give the police a lot of credit, though. For all three accidents that I've had (the first two were minor), they were always very patient. The trooper I spoke with after my accident with my MSP really gets a LOT of credit -- because apparently, some woman that had crashed just a few minutes after I did had been trying to blame ME for HER accident. She'd told the trooper that my MSP had hit her car, which was TOTAL bull**** considering I NEVER touched another car (by some miracle of God). Thankfully, the trooper took the time to look things over -- and told me it was obvious from my damage, and where my car was sitting relative to hers, AND from the fact that she couldn't give the right details about how my MSP had supposedly hit her to cause her (and my) damage, that there's no way our cars ever made contact.

I can only imagine what a disaster it would've been if that trooper had been lax about writing his reports.

[jen.]

I agree 100%. People, in general, are assholes. As soon as an accident happens, take pictures and start calling people and getting as much information as you can about the other parties involved. And NEVER, NEVER let them leave, for ANY reason, until the police get there!

I do have to give the police a lot of credit, though. For all three accidents that I've had (the first two were minor), they were always very patient. The trooper I spoke with after my accident with my MSP really gets a LOT of credit -- because apparently, some woman that had crashed just a few minutes after I did had been trying to blame ME for HER accident. She'd told the trooper that my MSP had hit her car, which was TOTAL bull**** considering I NEVER touched another car (by some miracle of God). Thankfully, the trooper took the time to look things over -- and told me it was obvious from my damage, and where my car was sitting relative to hers, AND from the fact that she couldn't give the right details about how my MSP had supposedly hit her to cause her (and my) damage, that there's no way our cars ever made contact.

I can only imagine what a disaster it would've been if that trooper had been lax about writing his reports.


Yikes! You got lucky, It's a really good thing you're okay! I can't believe someone would lie and say that you hit their car. I truly can't understand why people are so dishonest. That's really horrible. My car is in no way totaled. Dents/damage on two panels and a bent rim. But it's still my brand new car to me so I'm still in shock!

I definitely went through all the procedures, I work for a towing company so I know how much of a pain it can be. Got ALL the other parties' info and filed a police report and talked to the officer, who was a nice guy. I'll post pictures soon and cross my fingers and hope for the best with the insurance company.

Oh, and I did mention in the first post that the guy DOES have insurance. So it's now just a battle between our insurance cos.

[Rush]

I couldn't believe the woman was trying to blame it on me, either. I mean, I was already standing there on the side of the road with both ends of my car smashed up, bawling hysterically, and she had to add THAT on top of it? I would NEVER do that to another person.

Oh, and I did mention in the first post that the guy DOES have insurance. So it's now just a battle between our insurance cos.
Did you speak to his insurance company yet? When I was rear-ended (one of my minor accidents), I had to speak with my insurance company -- and then HIS insurance company. Which I was glad I had the chance to do, since it gave me the opportunity to tell MY side of the story. Not that it was really needed, since the guy freely admitted the accident was completely his fault.

But I'm glad to hear your car isn't totaled! Maybe this can be an excuse to pick up a new set of wheels. ;)

[fbuckfifty]

anybody who hits another car from behind regardless of the reason (whether stopping for a squirell, etc) is 110% at fault

[99SL2_Modder]

anybody who hits another car from behind regardless of the reason (whether stopping for a squirell, etc) is 110% at fault

Wrong.

Bitch pulled out of a bar at 2am, went across 5 lanes of traffic to make a right turn (came from the left), and ripped the front end of my car off.

I tried to stop, and thusly, only the rear end of her car slammed into mine.

I was deemed not at fault, since her story says she pulled out, was going straight, then put her blinker on to come over. Physically impossible, since the bar exit is caddy-corner to the street exit. It was pretty much a dart over, and I never saw the bitch til her car was right the hell there. Smacked me up good. Broke both my steel wheels, pushed me over a high ass curb. Car was ****ED up. Hers was ok though.

My insurance never went up.

Ask BlackBulletTSI. He swung by the scene a few minutes after it happened.

[Chris B.]

I've had several acidents where the other party involved lied or did some major changes to their story afterwards.

One woman backed into my car in a parking lot and hit the rear side of my car. She told me it was 100% her fault and gave me her license and insurance info. When she got home, her husband told her that she shouldn't have admitted to it being her fault. So she chaged her story to say we backed into each other. I had a witness, which was a passenger in my car, but both insurance companies said passengers in the cars can't count as being witnesses.

Another time, a woman pulled out from a parking lot on the right side of a road with a 35 MPH speed limit. I was in the far left lane of the 3 lanes in my direction of travel. She cut across all 3 lanes, then came to a stop diagonally right in front fof me in my lane because she couldn't make her turn. One of her friends happened to show up 5 minutes after the accident and asked her if she needed a witness and then asked the driver what she should say happened. The cop seemed to think her story was a bit shady, but the accident was determined to be my fault because the driver and her friend made up some story and lied about it. When I tried to show pictures of the accidnet scene to my insurance company, they didn't want to see them. It was cheaper and easier to get the issue resolved and not fight it.

Basically people lie about accidents because they don't want to be at fault, they don't want their insurance rates goign up, and they want to avoid tickets.

[ThePrimerSuspect]

some of the adjusters i have dealt with were awesome, some are complete dickheads. i think it depends on the company. i had a guy in my shop a few years ago who got rear-ended hard. but he was in a lincoln and the guy hitting him was in a slammed civic so he actually went under the car. the guy showed me pics on his phone or i never would have believed it. the bumper of the lincoln was at the hondas windshield. not a single scratch on the lincoln, but the exhaust got damaged. so i had the car on my lift and the other guys insurance adjuster was saying that the exhaust was already bent and the civic wasnt responsible for the damage.:bigeek:

[jen.]

I couldn't believe the woman was trying to blame it on me, either. I mean, I was already standing there on the side of the road with both ends of my car smashed up, bawling hysterically, and she had to add THAT on top of it? I would NEVER do that to another person.


Did you speak to his insurance company yet? When I was rear-ended (one of my minor accidents), I had to speak with my insurance company -- and then HIS insurance company. Which I was glad I had the chance to do, since it gave me the opportunity to tell MY side of the story. Not that it was really needed, since the guy freely admitted the accident was completely his fault.

But I'm glad to hear your car isn't totaled! Maybe this can be an excuse to pick up a new set of wheels. ;)

What happened to you is truly terrible! I can't even imagine. Although nice upgrade to a G35! Still haven't spoken to his insurance company but mine has been AMAZING!

-They're pushing for full fault of the other guy, and they think we've got a good chance of getting it due to the police report citing the other vehicle as the primary vehicle at fault.
-As long as it IS the other person's fault my rates don't go up AT ALL and I won't have to pay the deductible.
-I probably won't get new wheels (I wish!) because it's going to be hard enough to push for a new bumper and new rim as it is, but I'm dead set on pushing as hard as I can for new rear bumper and rim.

I have an appointment with an adjuster tomorrow morning in Lansdale, so I'm crossing my fingers that it goes well.

I'm trying to be optimistic and think that I'll get it back nicer than it's ever been. I bought the car with a few minor flaws that I may have fixed while it's in there (2 dings BARELY noticeable that can be taken care of with paintless dent removal) and two scratches on the bumper, also minor.

I'm hoping now to get the car back with flawless all over paint, and not a single wave or ding in the car. Additionally, my HIDs came in today, and so I may buy the HFP front lip I've been eying up as well to put on the car once it's back from the body shop :)

[ThePrimerSuspect]

what body shop are you using?

[jen.]

what body shop are you using?

I have to go to Old Forge Crossing this morning to see an adjuster, but then I can technically go anywhere I want to.

My friend had nice things to say about Old Forge, but I have also heard good things about Hayes.

I'm nervous because the last body shop I went to didn't do terrific the first time around.

Any recommendations?

[99blazer]

Also, I know toll booths have cameras. This happened a good 20-30 feet BEFORE the toll booth. I don't think the camera would catch that and even if it did, I doubt the police would subpoena the tapes just to check out a basic traffic accident.

Toll booth cameras usually see couple hundred feet before and after the toll. And they will give you the tapes to prove your case.

[jpalamar]

There are camera's at toll booths.

+1 on that.

Plus if they hit you from behind then they are at fualt. You are required to have control of your car at all times. If he was tailing and hit your rear, he didn't have control.