04-25-2009, 05:54 PM

So I got my truck out to my buddy's place to paint the antenna today, and on my way home, some lady in a 2500 sideswiped me. ;_;

Rather than have her get upset and call the cops (they'd have sided with her, I'm sure of it) I just agreed to pay for her grille and fender flare.

I haven't got any pictures of the smashed up door, but I think it's punishment for getting a zigzag antenna for my truck.



I was going to fix the bumper tomorrow, but, well...



Door will open, but it's difficult to shut. The window won't roll down (at least it didn't shatter again.) Mirror is screwed (Had zip ties in the truck, thank God.)

But, looking at it from a positive angle:

- Insurance and Cops weren't involved.
- The grille and fender flare for her truck total out to like, $70 on parts train, which is cheaper than a ticket or a deductible. I can probably get them at the junkyard for a lot less too.
- I get a purple or black door for a few weeks.
- I can finally fix my busted speaker.
- I have an excuse to paint my truck.
- The emblem isn't broken, so I can take it off and put it on my mini-fridge.
- My door now whistles when I go over 40, and it's a pleasant note. Sounds like a C sharp.

Although, really looking at it, that'll buff out.

04-25-2009, 06:04 PM

Well, at least its just hit the door and no other panels

04-25-2009, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by louishen

Well, at least its just hit the door and no other panels

The back end of my cab got pushed in a bit, but I can bondo that no problem.

04-25-2009, 07:29 PM

On a positive note, you probably improved the styling and aerodynamics of her truck for free!

04-25-2009, 09:11 PM

You need a drink...

04-25-2009, 11:08 PM

You seriously are too kind.

04-26-2009, 03:04 AM

If the accident wasn't your fault (which is questionable) why would your insurance o up?

04-26-2009, 04:08 AM

so lemme get this straight.... SHE sideswipes YOU....and YOU pay for HER????


are you outta your freakin mind??????

she hit you, she's at fault and pays for it all.

04-26-2009, 04:15 AM

Yea, there's something off about this story.

04-26-2009, 04:18 AM

I would be careful about not having the police involved and the insurance company.

Had something similar happen to be except a lot worst. Car accident that involved snow and ice, and my car ending up in a forest of trees.

Anyways I get sued like a year later, and that wasn't cool. Luckily I had witnesses and what not.

04-26-2009, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by CrimsonRequiem

I would be careful about not having the police involved and the insurance company.

Had something similar happen to be except a lot worst. Car accident that involved snow and ice, and my car ending up in a forest of trees.

Anyways I get sued like a year later, and that wasn't cool. Luckily I had witnesses and what not.

VERY good point CR.

Derek, if it's not your fault and she banged into you, I would be very careful as down the road she could come back and try and mess with you and say you were at fault. Something to ponder for sure.

You paying for her car if was her fault almost makes it look like you admitting guilt!

Was it Her fault or your fault?

04-26-2009, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by baggss

If the accident wasn't your fault (which is questionable) why would your insurance o up?

No-fault insurance? The insurance company may decide to increase his premiums if they determine he was at-fault, regardless of what he or the lady says. The laws in Michigan may also differ from all of our respective provinces/states/nations so their insurance laws may be different from the ones we are used to knowing.

04-26-2009, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by vansmith

No-fault insurance? The insurance company may decide to increase his premiums if they determine he was at-fault, regardless of what he or the lady says. The laws in Michigan may also differ from all of our respective provinces/states/nations so their insurance laws may be different from the ones we are used to knowing.

Correct. I have no fault insurance under my parents' name. For all intents and purposes, I technically don't drive the truck.

Really what I did here was the best form of damage control I could. After this, my insurance cost would've quadrupled had we gotten insurance involved.

The cops are going to look at the 40 year old woman and the 20 year old kid and think "Well he's young so she's gotta be at fault." because all the other witnesses to the accident had already driven off.

Before I give her the money/parts, I'm going to bring my mom/dad and maybe even another "witness" along. I'm even half tempted to draft up an agreement that says that this is the end of it and no further action would be taken. Legal like, of course.

My step-dad was there when her and I made the "deal". He's the one we suggested we do it this way, and he was there to witness everything. He pulled me aside and said "Regardless of who hit who, you're going to get bent over if insurance gets involved. Take the dive on this one and see if getting them the parts can end this before it starts", which seemed more than satisfactory to the lady and her husband.

Basically, rather than be paying 4x the cost of car insurance (not exaggerating), and running the risk of a reckless driving ticket (because I'm not 30+ years old so I obviously can't drive), I took the route that's going to be the least damaging down the road, so long as it's carried out right.

04-26-2009, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Derek McNelly

The cops are going to look at the 40 year old woman and the 20 year old kid and think "Well he's young so she's gotta be at fault." because all the other witnesses to the accident had already driven off.

I know how that feels. I'm 23 and always feel that people assume I can't drive because I'm young. I can only imagine what the guy at the car rental place was thinking on my last road trip.

Originally Posted by Derek McNelly

Before I give her the money/parts, I'm going to bring my mom/dad and maybe even another "witness" along. I'm even half tempted to draft up an agreement that says that this is the end of it and no further action would be taken. Legal like, of course.

That could be a very good way to cover yourself in case she decides to become litigious in the future. Make sure to get the drafted by a lawyer though if you do decide to do this.

04-26-2009, 03:08 PM

You don't really need to get it drafted by a lawyer. Just make sure it has clear and definite terms, that everything you agree to orally is written down, and that both sides agree to it. An agreement like that would hold up just fine in court.

I can look over the language if you'd like.