looking for advise on a minor auto accident.

[Master ACiD]

i was over at a friend of mines house. he operates heavy equipment and parks them on his property. his mechanic backed into my f150 with a large semi.he was only doing about 2mph but a large half loaded semi can do alot.

it damaged the hood, 1 fender, the grille, and front bumper. the rest of the truck is fine. no structural damage. just cosmetics.

heres the problem. his mechanic isnt on the semi truck insurance policy. the semi that backed into me is used for commercal work on road.

the owner of the truck (who also owns the property) said he would pay out of pocket to get my truck fixed, and also fire his mechanic. i kind of dont trust him to pay to get my truck fixed. i have a bad feeling. im a little scared and not sure what to do. i already moved my f150 from the accident scene and brought it home.

should i just nut up and call the police, which would end any remains of a friendship i once had with the guy, or what should i do?

 

[keith]

Here in CT, once the drivers exchange information and leave the scene, the police will not write an accident report and it's a civil matter. If Florida is the same, going to the police is not an option and you had best hope your friend pays up.

 

[JavaMan]

Well, if he's a friend maybe he'll follow through. It doesn't sound too minor if it messed up the hood, fender, grille and front bumper. I don't know what your laws are, but, I had a friend a few years ago that had a wreck (not his fault) on a public street. The person promised to pay for the damage because she didn’t want this accident on her record. He agreed and in the end had to pay for the damages himself. There was very little he could do about it because he left the scene of the accident (so I was told). I would go ahead and get an estimate. Everything may work out OK.

 

[moribundman]

At least you'll find out if your friend is a friend worth having.

I'd take someone I count as a friend by his word, but I don't use the term "friend" lightly.

 

[another Todd]

Quickly get estimates and see if your friend pays up. If not, quickly go to your insurance company if you have full coverage. They will fix your truck then go after him for repayment. Done. If you don't have full coverage, small claims court if he won't pay up. If he won't pay up (or his insurance) he isn't really a friend-is he?

 

[Master ACiD]

i guess well see how good of a friend he is.

i have a feeling i should of just called the cops right there and then.

i do have full coverage though.

 

[Dan4510]

Dont get accident advise from webpages about oil would be the first point.

Dan

 

[Master ACiD]

why not? i see people here ask all kinf of crazy advise questions, everything from marrage to taxes. look how long that investment thread is.

 

[Tosh]

Ask your own insurance company's advice. They want to help you, their client. Tell them exactly what happened. And just because someone isn't listed on the insurance, it doesn't mean they're not covered, as long as they didn't steal it, but have the owner's permission to operate it.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Get it in writing.

 

[moribundman]

Good that one person here knows the important difference between an oral and a written agreement. Yes, they're all verbal.

 

[Bob Woods]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tosh:
And just because someone isn't listed on the insurance, it doesn't mean they're not covered, as long as they didn't steal it, but have the owner's permission to operate it.

---

Most insurance policies have that clause, as long as they are operating it legally. If you let some one without a license operate your vehicle it may not be covered.

 

[Gary Allan]

I'm insured in any vehicle ..registered ..insured ..inspected ..OR NOT. I'm insured. My individual vehicle insurance if for anyone who might be operating it ..licensed, insured, legal ...or NOT.

I didn't see you mention the year of your truck ..and whether or not you're insured for this type of collision. This is property damage in this state.

 

[Shannow]

I like the U.S. insurance provisions.

Here, my vehicles are insured. For anyone driving legally, and under the BAC limit. If I borrow a mate's car, and he fails to declare to me that it's uninsured, I wear the consequences of an incident.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Mori, stop busting

 

[wantin150]

Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer and am NOT offering legal advice.

In SC, when an accident occurs on private property, all bets are off. We are also not even really required to report unless the damage is in excess of $1000 (most are, BTW). We have a "self" reporting form that you can pick up at the local DMV and complete for your insurance company which takes the place of a true "Police" report. You may have such a form in your state. Also, research your state's laws concerning accidents. You may find answers there. Worst case, get 3 estimates and provide them to the responsible party and let them choose.

 

[Dave Hess]

I see this type of stuff about 10 times per week.

You should always have a police report just incase he doesn't want to pay for your damage, even if the damage was $100.

"heres the problem. his mechanic isnt on the semi truck insurance policy. the semi that backed into me is used for commercal work on road."

It doesn't matter, The semi is 'at fault' and has PD- Property Damage coverage.

 

[gtx510]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Master ACiD:
i was over at a friend of mines house. he operates heavy equipment and parks them on his property. .... the owner of the truck (who also owns the property) said he would pay out of pocket to get my truck fixed, and also fire his mechanic. i kind of dont trust him to pay to get my truck fixed. i have a bad feeling.

---

Change your definition of "friend"?

Maybe he didn't really have insurance?

Would getting it in writing and notarized help?

Gotta lawyaer friend?

 

[Master ACiD]

he went ahead and payed to get it fixed. the trucks been taken care of, and actually looks better than before the accident.

it cost $3350 to fix. he still owes me $160 though.

btw, were not friends anymore. i dont know if ill ever get the $160, but atleast the truck got fexed and that is done. the $160 is small change im not worried about.

 

[gtx510]

remember "A Bronx Tale"?
you just paid $160 to never have to see that guy again.

glad to hear that your truck is fix.