[JTM09]

First, let me say the car involved was not mine. My M5 is safe and sound.

My wife was hit yesterday by a mustang.

Her Volvo however is banged up. Airbags deployed, car needed towed.

EDIT — details removed.




Of course the officer says he doesn’t assign blame. 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?

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.

Thanks guys

[spazzyfry123]

I'm not a lawyer, but was in a similar situation (my passenger and I banged up and the car totaled at the fault of someone else). I tried to go the self route, but it was abundantly clear the other driver's insurance was not going to play ball after a long time of back and forth. The only way we could get things squared away was with a lawyer. I hate the idea of ambulance chasing, but that's just where we are in this country, unfortunately...

[cbpip]

Lawyer up ! Best way to isolate any unforseen issues. No sign, no talk and stay off the forum with details. Keep it private.

[RockCrusher]

I was injured in an accident. The other driver was deemed to be at fault.

I -- well my father in law -- arranged for a lawyer while I was still in the hospital.

Long story short the lawyer ended up with over 40% of the settlement. Now he did this legitimately. The agreement was 30% plus expenses or 40% plus expenses if the case went to court.


Another time I managed to collect a good settlement from an owner of a vehicle whose daughter was driving the vehicle being under-insured. The daughter ran into my $62.6K 2008 Cayman S -- it was 4 weeks old -- and this resulted in the Cayman S being declared a total loss.

But I managed to avoid a lawyer.

But even with my experience I can't say don't lawyer up or lawyer up.

[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.

[JTM09]

Thanks for the replies

[JTM09]

the Volvo is totaled

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by JTM09

My wife was hit yesterday by a mustang.
Her Volvo however is banged up. Airbags deployed, car needed towed.

Sorry to hear.
I trust she is OK and recovering comfortably and fully.

Originally Posted by JTM09

Of course the officer says he doesn’t assign blame.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

You need a doctor, not a lawyer.
Unless you think you plan to strike rich by suing other people.

a

[DocL]

Originally Posted by afadeev

...
You need a doctor, not a lawyer.
Unless you think you plan to strike rich by suing other people.

a

Obviously going to see a doctor is assumed. What is wrong seeking damages when you injured by someone who was negligent and causes bodily harm. That's why we all have insurance, and yes my rates are high even though no one in my family has caused an MVA or bodily damage.

[Maestro]

When I read these kind of posts, they confirm my decision with my choice on insurance and staying with the same insurance company. I have been with State Farm for over 30 yrs. I, the wife and kids all had accidents in those years most minor and two major, some our fault, most other people and never once did it require getting lawyers involved. Even for the more serious one State Farm handle everything, help us with making sure we got our cars fixed and dealt with the other side, we never once had to have any conversation with the other party. We also have an agent, never had to deal with a 800 service line.

None of our accidents required medical attention, that is different situation and could see a reason for a lawyer. But it surprises me to hear for a non-personal injury accident that people have to fight to get a claim covered.

I know why people shop around for insurance I have done it over the years, but the discount I got from other companies were never enough to make the move. Everyone I know how jump from insurance company to insurance company all have similar stories of getting a good rate for a period of time then it starts going up. Then having to fight with their insurance company or another person's insurance when something happen.

Wish you luck and getting this address with your insurance.