PDA

View Full Version : Fender bender ?

Flipside
12-09-2007, 09:07 AM
A Stanley Steemer Van cliped my parked car yesterday morning.You can see on attached pic where the door hinged slid on the rear panel.my question is,do I have to file a accident report?The driver is offering to pay me cash,cause he does not want it on his driving record,but I told him I have to asses the damage.Is there a deadline on when I should file?My tail light is cracked and sustained a 2 ft. dent where that door hinge made a path.
afm199
12-09-2007, 10:19 AM
Hmm, not sure. That is not a collision, or rather, it would be a comprehensive claim if YOU filed, as you were parked. That is going to cost a few thou.

If he willing to WRITE a NOTARIZED statement that HE HIT YOU and is responsible for all the damages, you should be ok. You need his drivers license number and insurance company. Then if he does not pay you just turn it over. If he is NOT willing to do this, tough shit for him, file with his company.
Junkie
12-09-2007, 10:30 AM
It'll be expensive enough (>$750, right?) that you will be legally required to file it. Morally is a different question though.
NorCalBusa
12-09-2007, 11:35 AM
It'll be expensive enough (>$750, right?) that you will be legally required to file it. Morally is a different question though.

Yeah, sucks when that moral and legal shit collide...
Junkie
12-09-2007, 12:09 PM
Yeah, sucks when that moral and legal shit collide...I'm sure I break a decent number of laws every day, but that doesn't mean that I'm doing anything that I consider morally wrong :)
T-1 Thunder
12-09-2007, 02:29 PM
If damage is over $500, I think you have report it to DMV. Check with DMV for the correct amount.

PS: Next time you talk to him, tell him some guy on the internet called him a fuckin moron.
motorman4life
12-09-2007, 04:00 PM
If the total damage is $750 or above (to both vehicles), it is a reportable accident as per DMV and CA law. Refer to the SR-1 form on the DMV site.

It is considered a collision and not covered by comprehensive.

Refer to this thread for more info:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224432&highlight=reportable

You can try to handle it "off the record" but in most cases, the only one really benefiting is him.

You are taking a risk ,but personally, I'd get 3 written estimates. Take him the highest one and see if he will pay it. Once the check clears, you can take it to the cheapest one and pocket the difference. :rolleyes

But that's just me. I wouldn't advise you to do it. :teeth

Let us know how it goes.
JPM
12-09-2007, 05:03 PM
Look at this thread also; read the part of what can happen if you get caught not reporting it to DMV if over $750. The search option is a wonderful thing!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221132&highlight=insurance
johnparjr
12-09-2007, 10:27 PM
Let insurance handle it thats what you pay them for.
afm199
12-10-2007, 08:27 AM
If the total damage is $750 or above (to both vehicles), it is a reportable accident as per DMV and CA law. Refer to the SR-1 form on the DMV site.

It is considered a collision and not covered by comprehensive.



Let us know how it goes.

Not sure about that. My insurance company (USAA) rules that stuff that is not your fault is comprehensive ( I hit a deer and it was covered by comprehensive, not collision)
motorman4life
12-10-2007, 08:57 AM
Not sure about that. My insurance company (USAA) rules that stuff that is not your fault is comprehensive ( I hit a deer and it was covered by comprehensive, not collision)

Okay, I'll give you that. Some insurance may cover a non-liability collision a comprehensive claim. But, that does not mean it was/is not a collision per DMV or CHP guidelines.. or the law.
Flipside
12-11-2007, 07:51 AM
Thank's for all the response.I reported it to my insurance,but they are not obligated to assist me in filing a claim because I do not have a comprehensive or collision coverage.