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Originally Posted by JTM09
My wife was hit yesterday by a mustang.
Her Volvo however is banged up. Airbags deployed, car needed towed.
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Sorry to hear.
I trust she is OK and recovering comfortably and fully.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JTM09
Of course the officer says he doesn’t assign blame.
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Actually, that is only partially true.
Police officers investigate traffic accidents and document facts, witness statements, and issue tickets any violations that occurred.
The fault is assigned by insurance companies based on documented facts, witness statements, and any citations issues by an investigating officer. You can see how one feeds into the other. Final liability determination, which can include assigning portions of responsibility to multiple parties, is made by insurance companies and (if in dispute) by arbitrators and courts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JTM09
But looking at the situation and the police report, I think it’s pretty obvious. The other driver was at fault.
I’ve never had to deal with something like this before. Should I call a lawyer?
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What problem are you trying to solve with a lawyer?
I assume you have insurance with adequate coverage. Does the (likely) at fault Mustang driver have insurance? If yes - let the two insurance companies work this out. You are already paying to purchase that service from your insurance company via your premiums. Your and your insurance company’s interests are perfectly aligned here. Use that to your advantage, as intended and paid for!
Traffic accidents are a dime a dozen, 5-6M / year in the US with police reports. I'm sure many lawyers would like to get in more of that action, and you can certainly help some of them earn a better living. The question is - to what end?
I've had give (5) insurance claims on my cars over the decades. All were handled through my insurance companies.
One (1) of those went to court when the party that T-boned my wife's car sued claiming pain and knee injuries from the accident he caused. The got thrown out quickly after the investigator hired by our insurance company found Facebook pictures of the guy skiing the weekend before and after filing the suit claiming disability from the accident.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JTM09
I told her do not answer the phone from anyone and do not accept any money at all from anyone until we figure this out.
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You will want to file a claim with your insurance company and speak to them.
Or you can hire a lawyer who will speak to them on your behalf, if you are not comfortable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DocL
Whenever there are injuries you need to get a lawyer. Although the injuries seem minor now, you never know what will appear in a few weeks or months from now.
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You need a doctor, not a lawyer.
Unless you think you plan to strike rich by suing other people.
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