Auto Accident

[C47]

I am in California! My son rearended a truck, we did not contact the insurance company. A friend fixed our truck for us. We did not see much damage to the other truck so we were going to pay for it. He called us today and said his estamate is 4500.00. We want to call him and ask him to go to the place where we had our truck fixed and find out what the estamated damage is. Can we do this? and what if he refuses? Sincerely, C47

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

There is no law, or other legal fiat, requiring him to go to any shop for repairs. He is free to go wherever he feels comfortable for estimates and repairs.

It's time, however, for you to report this matter to your insurance company - - especially if the estimates he obtains are anywhere near that amount. You don't want to handle this on your own.

I know, I know . . . you don't want your rates to go up. But, unless you've got a spare $3000.00 to $4,500.00 lying around, you had better report the accident.

IAAL

 

[RunningOnEmpty]

Another reason you should report this to your insurance company:

This person may contact you again three-six months from now and ask you about their $4500 in chiropractor bills.