In VA and other states, law requires you to call the cops to the scene of the accident if there's bodily injury or property damage.

Don't let the responsible driver wiggle out of letting you call the police. And if it's your fault, call them anyway. With all the fraud and litigation flying around, you can't lose by calling police to the scene.

 

I've got to say that at this point, about three weeks before I'll even see my new car, one of my biggest concerns is being in an accident with it, that would just really suck and I seem to be thinking about it a lot...

 

You guys may remember this post from a while ago. Since the last post, the car has been fixed, but I haven't. I went to the doctor, had x-rays taken and was told all looks well. About three weeks or so after the accident my back felt about back to normal. I just recently sent my doctor bill to the insurance company. State Farm offered to settle my claim for $500. My bill was only $270. In California is the statute of limitations for bodily injury 1 year or 2? I was told 1 year from one source and 2 yrs from another, I was also told that the property damage is 2yrs, is that correct? Also, since the accident I have been having horrible, almost dibilitating, back aches that last a couple days then go completely away, this has been happening almost once a month. I am reluctant to settle for just $500 due to several reasons.

1. What's the hurry, it's only been 4 months
2. I still have lingering back issues
3. I would like some compensation for my time taken to get repairs ect. done
4. Compensation for slightly diminished vehicle value due to the accident.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

OMG, you have to be kidding - please do not settle if you are not well! You could have disc or nerve damage and will be SOL if you do not take care of yourself and seek diagnosis and treatment. The guy hit you and if you are injured they should cover it. Ask you doctor for a referral to someone like a neurologist or orthopedist that might be able to help you with your type of pain/injury. I do not know the time limitations to pursuing coverage for your treatment, but I do know that the insurance company does not have your best interests at heart - perhaps consult with the DMV and/or a lawyer for advice on that.

Good luck!

 

The person hit is willing to pay for it and he already will have to deal with his rates going up like crazy. No need to be vindictive here. Unless the person was drunk, I wouldn't want charges pressed. They just hit a new car, they'll have enough problems to worry about and to pay for.