What is the best way to handle a relatively minor accident at my fault?
Last night I rode a 49cc scooter/moped in downtown washington dc at about 15 mph and hit the rear left corner of a recent model Nissan Altimia, which was stopping at a red light, as I was coming around right corner. Of course, I fell as I tried to avoid it as quickly as I can, but failed. No one was hurt, but there were some damages.
Pedestrians saw the accident and one person said she smelled fuel. I believe this smell comes from my relatively loose gas cap on the scooter because there is a very small chance I can break the car's gas tank going at that speed at that slight corner brush. The real damage was the broken brake light cover of the car and paint scratch like the ones you get when you parallel park in cities.
I don't have insurance for the scooter/moped, but the driver has Progressive insurance for her car. The accident is at my fault. The police came but didn't make any official record but only gave the driver a business card with a description of the accident on its back. He advised the driver to get a quote from a Body Shop to fix the brake light cap and paint scratch on the bumper. Then ask me if I agree to pay for it and file a claim to her insurance if I don't agree. She said she will get a quote this morning and will contact me.
I admit I am at fault, but I don't want to pay a ridiculous quote auto body shops give when they know its an accident. So, what is a reasonable amount to pay I should pay? A broken brake light cap and paint scratch on the bumper.
Thank you very much for you advice. Sorry for the long post, but I want to give as much detail as possible. (This is my first "car" accident ever.)
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ensignlee
Senior Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 8:28a
It'll prob be about $500 to repaint/replace the fender and replace the tail light. Cheap in the grand scheme of auto repairs. Chalk it up to life's lessons.
mwa423
Senior Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 8:41a
In many ways, you're going to be at the mercy of the owner of the car. They can make this relatively painless, or you can get ready to bend over and take it with no lube.
Your best option would be to offer the person their deductible, have them file with Progressive and apologize (they're going to be taking the hit on their insurance as a result of the claim, not your problem). If they have much common sense, this won't work.
Your next best option would be to ask for them to get 3 estimates for the car and you'll pay the shop directly. This is more hassle for them and they may not want to do that to save you a few bucks.
At this point it's worth asking the person how much they want to cover their "damages" if the damage is minor. They might just ask for $500 or so and it isn't your concern if they actually get the car fixed. If that's less than you think the estimate of the damage might be.
Assuming they don't bite on either of those, find out what part of town they live in, hit yelp, etc. and see if you can find a reputable/reasonably priced/honest Body Shop, call them, explain the situation and then tell that person you've arranged for payment directly to the shop for the damage, all they have to do is take the car to the shop next to their house. Then, all you have to do is pray that A: The person is willing to use your shop, B: The shop is reasonably priced and C: They don't demand a rental for the same period (another couple hundred out of your pocket).
Your last option (some here would argue your best) is to never answer the phone again, screw the person you hit and wait for Progressive to sue you for actual damages they have paid. Since they will probably be paying one of their affiliated shops, it could be the cheapest, but that is the most hassle for both you and the other person.
Ya, you got very lucky. If they would have ticketed you for lack of insurance this would cost you a ton. In most states that means you have to get a special insurance wavier for a year to prove you maintain insurance, and it would be a huge cost in court fines/expenses. I would be extra nice, since they could still cause you some trouble if the pushed that officer that gave them the info on the subject of you not having insurance at the time of the accident. Ask them what they want, and if it even anywhere near reasonable, pay it.
JaxFL
Senior Member - 5K
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 1:32p
Reasonable amount is what the estimate the injured party gives you, unless you think fraud is involved, period.
NukeMedDude
Nuke M'Dude
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 1:37p
No scooter/moped jokes?!? FWF going soft!
NukeMedDude
Nuke M'Dude
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 1:44p
elektronic said: I can't believe they didn't ticket you for lack of insurance / lack of registration:
NukeMedDude said: No scooter/moped jokes?!? FWF going soft!
Isn't the term "scooter joke" inherently redundant?
scrouds
Luddite
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 1:54p
Last time this happened, I backed into the side of an older car. I got him to agree to $100, and wrote a quick laibility release on the back of an envelope and had him sign it.
Best $100 I ever spent.
BEEFjerKAY
Pics?
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 1:59p
I got run into by a bicycle once while I was stopped. Paint damage to my car's front end was visible, but minor. I got the cyclist's name, but never put in a claim and never hit her up for any costs.
Probably could have worked the situation for a few bucks. But figured how many times in life do you get in a head-on collision with a bike and everyone involved walks away without a scratch?
scrouds
Luddite
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 2:14p
BEEFjerKAY said: I got run into by a bicycle once while I was stopped. Paint damage to my car's front end was visible, but minor. I got the cyclist's name, but never put in a claim and never hit her up for any costs.
Probably could have worked the situation for a few bucks. But figured how many times in life do you get in a head-on collision with a bike and everyone involved walks away without a scratch?
Ok she emailed me three quotes from three different body shops. I commend her for doing this. I guess I can pick the cheapest one and write her a check? The quotes are, $589.24, $743.54, and $557.46. Here is the breakdown of the $557.46 quote: I. Labor-$311 a. Body: 3.9units x $42/hr = 164 b. Refinish: 3.5units x $42/hr = 147
II. Part Replacement- $139.28 a. Parts + Tax: 139.28
III. Additional Costs- $107.38 a. Part + tax: 107.38
Net total: $557.46
(I don't know about the paint, but the labor for the light is ridiculous. I replaced my Mits Galant in less than 30 minutes the first time)
Anyways, please advise me on my next step.
Thank you very much!
kwest
Ancient Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 2:36p
My thoughts are you go with the middle quote. Toss out the high and the low. The fact she price shopped for YOUR benefit suggests not to lowball her and force her to take the cheapest. Plus it's only an extra $30. Just my $0.02.
MADWAD
Senior Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 2:40p
kwest said: My thoughts are you go with the middle quote. Toss out the high and the low. The fact she price shopped for YOUR benefit suggests not to lowball her and force her to take the cheapest. Plus it's only an extra $30. Just my $0.02.
This! Or take the average of all 3. This is what State Farm did for me for fair value when they totaled my motorcycle.
Personally, I would have taken it to 1 shop and sent you the quote.
MilleniumBuc
Silly Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 2:42p
Or pay the average of the 3 ( 630.08) for her trouble of driving and waisting time going to all three places. Then she can pick who she is most comfortable with or more convinient to her.
It was pretty incredible. We were at a complete stop in our car. And we saw her coming straight at us ... all the time looking off to the side with earbuds on. She couldn't have been more than 10 feet away from impact before she finaly looked over and saw us. I will never forget the look on her face in that split second before impact.
We thought, no way she's gonna run into us.
We wuz wrong.
BEEFjerKAY
Pics?
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 2:48p
kwest said: My thoughts are you go with the middle quote. Toss out the high and the low. The fact she price shopped for YOUR benefit suggests not to lowball her and force her to take the cheapest. Plus it's only an extra $30. Just my $0.02.
Agreed. Make her life miserable just to save a few bucks? When she would be fully within her rights to submit the claim to her insurance company and stick OP with repairs, legal costs and potentially an at fault uninsured motorist claim? Pay the lady.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 4:09p
Thank you for all the replies so far everyone! They really help me a lot. Although the amount is over a week's worth of income for me (recent graduate), I will be glad to do the right thing and pay her. Given that, what do I need from her to release me from this case?
On a side note, this wouldn't affect my driver's record, would it?
BEEFjerKAY
Pics?
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 4:15p
latieungao said: On a side note, this wouldn't affect my driver's record, would it?
It should have, but both the cop and the other driver gave you a huge break. In a town where the saying is, "If you want a friend, buy a dog."
Get yourself a motorcycle policy. You can't always depend on the kindness of strangers.
NotSoHard
Senior Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 4:33p
Yes, a report should have been filed since the damage exceeded $200 (which I believe is the Washington DC threshold). Had it been filed, you'd be on the hook for driving a motorized vehicle without insurance, plus most likely on the hook for driving an unregistered vehicle (assuming the vehicle isn't registered because insurance is required to register the vehicle). (I spent way more time on this than I should have, but DC does have the following requirements for moped/scooter: safety/emission testing every 2 years, must meet the Compulsory No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act limits.) (source)
I'd give her $600 in exchange for signing a release of liability. Most likely she doesn't want to report it to her insurance and will just have the tail light replaced if the scratch isn't too bad.
If there was an official police report, then the DMV will know. Consider yourself very lucky as some police puts you in the cell with hefty fine (upto $5000 in some states) for not having auto insurance.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 7:53p
I gave her cash and got her to sign this:
" Release of Liability
This document acknowledges that (driver's full name) received cash in the amount of $590 from (my full name) on Friday, April 13,2012, for auto damages resulting from a collision on Thursday, April 12, 2012.
(signed and dated) "
I hope this is enough to relieve from this liability.
Thank you everyone, for your inputs and advice.
BEEFjerKAY
Pics?
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 8:00p
latieungao said: I hope this is enough to relieve from this liability.
It probably isn't, but I'm guessing she's not looking to turn this into a capital offense.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 8:30p
BeefJerkay, you're scaring me... So I have to live in stress from now?
BEEFjerKAY
Pics?
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 8:38p
latieungao said: BeefJerkay, you're scaring me... So I have to live in stress from now?
No. I'd move on and wouldn't stress out.
If anything I'd focus on the learning opportunity of what to differently next time. And how but for the goodness of 2 strangers your situation could have been far different.
sayhey
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 10:11p
latieungao said: Hi everyone,
Last night I rode a 49cc scooter/moped in downtown washington dc at about 15 mph and hit the rear left corner of a recent model Nissan Altimia, which was stopping at a red light, as I was coming around right corner. Of course, I fell as I tried to avoid it as quickly as I can, but failed. No one was hurt, but there were some damages.
Take this event as an omen. I've driven mopeds around Bermuda on several occasions. In spite of the small population there, they have a host of accidents involving scooters. In my estimate, they're unsafe at any speed. Get some metal around you if you're going to be on the road. JMHO...Good Luck
NotSoHard
Senior Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 10:15p
Might I make the suggestion that you spend $75 and get insurance for the moped? You might need to spend another $30 for registration if it isn't current.
sap283
Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 10:42p
Shouldn't a person be arrested for driving without insurance and registration? What if you kill pedestrian? Uninsured/under insured on a policy is to protect/minimize policy holder's losses, off course it will increase policy holder's premium if claim is made, but that doesn't mean you can't go after the other person who was under insured or had no insurance.
mainomega
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 11:32p
people like you should have their licenses taken away. If you don't have insurance WALK !
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 13, 2012 @ 11:40p
Yeah, i purchased insurance today. i just got the scooter last week and was misinformed my the seller that I don't need insurance nor registration...
BrianGa
Posting Under the Influence
posted: Apr. 14, 2012 @ 12:15a
latieungao said: I gave her cash and got her to sign this:
" Release of Liability
This document acknowledges that (driver's full name) received cash in the amount of $590 from (my full name) on Friday, April 13,2012, for auto damages resulting from a collision on Thursday, April 12, 2012.
(signed and dated) "
I hope this is enough to relieve from this liability.
Thank you everyone, for your inputs and advice.That's a horrible waiver, but I wouldn't sweat it.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 14, 2012 @ 12:22p
Almost right on, but I am sure home garage can get it down below that- just saying for future auto repairs.
ensignlee said: It'll prob be about $500 to repaint/replace the fender and replace the tail light. Cheap in the grand scheme of auto repairs. Chalk it up to life's lessons.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 14, 2012 @ 12:24p
mwa423 said: In many ways, you're going to be at the mercy of the owner of the car. They can make this relatively painless, or you can get ready to bend over and take it with no lube.
Your next best option would be to ask for them to get 3 estimates for the car and you'll pay the shop directly. This is more hassle for them and they may not want to do that to save you a few bucks.
I guess it turned out to be this option. Thanks for the most helpful advice by breaking it down!
kwest said: My thoughts are you go with the middle quote. Toss out the high and the low. The fact she price shopped for YOUR benefit suggests not to lowball her and force her to take the cheapest. Plus it's only an extra $30. Just my $0.02.
Agreed and done. Hopefully she let me off the hook.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 14, 2012 @ 12:31p
MilleniumBuc said: Or pay the average of the 3 ( 630.08) for her trouble of driving and waisting time going to all three places. Then she can pick who she is most comfortable with or more convinient to her.
I paid her the median quote, which was $590. I know i am at fault and it is my fault for not getting information from the right/official sources, but 70$ is a day work for me. Of course I will be happy to spend more if I had a better paying job.
latieungao
Addicted Member
posted: Apr. 14, 2012 @ 12:35p
NotSoHard said: Yes, a report should have been filed since the damage exceeded $200 (which I believe is the Washington DC threshold). Had it been filed, you'd be on the hook for driving a motorized vehicle without insurance, plus most likely on the hook for driving an unregistered vehicle (assuming the vehicle isn't registered because insurance is required to register the vehicle). (I spent way more time on this than I should have, but DC does have the following requirements for moped/scooter: safety/emission testing every 2 years, must meet the Compulsory No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act limits.) (source)
I'd give her $600 in exchange for signing a release of liability. Most likely she doesn't want to report it to her insurance and will just have the tail light replaced if the scratch isn't too bad.
Thank you and the previous person who linked the page. I bought insurance and thank (the higher being) for making the lesson less costly. The scratch was visible, but not at all serious. it is that kind of scratch you get when you parallel park in the cities frequently.
Skipping 5 Messages...
mindbowels
Ancient Member
posted: Apr. 15, 2012 @ 8:31p
Regardless of issues/outcome, thanks OP for keeping with the thread and updating even after it is *probably* resolved.
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