AboutRichard Hixenbaugh Expertise Auto insurance claims procedure, auto coverage, liability issues, auto damage questions, how to deal with the insurance company, loss of use and diminished value.
Experience I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 20 years. I have experience in underwriting, sales, claims adjusting, auto damage estimating, auto value appraising and diminished value appraising. I have testified as an expert witness over 10 times.
Education/Credentials Completed all required courses for the Florida Property-Casualty agents license and the Florida claims adjusters license. I have attended various courses on auto damage estmating, vehicle appraising and am ASE certified in collision damage analysis.
Past/Present clients My company has done work for consumers nationwide.
Question I was leaving school today (I'm 17) and I was parked next to this girl we both got in our cars at the same time. She backed out first and went on her way right behind me. she was well out of my way to back up. As I start to back up she decides to reverse her car to take another way and I hit her front panel of her car. she tried honking but was too late. I looked behind me the whole time as I was backing out but was looking the way I was turning into not where she just drove past. We both got out and I asked her who do we call and she told me she had to go, she said it was no big deal and asked for my number. She calls me about 5 minutes later and her mom wants to meet with my mom and I. At the time my mom was upset and when we met she told them she was sorry and we would pay for it. The girl told my mom the story of what happened. As we left my mom thought about it and realized that some of it was her blame because she did not look behind her to see me backing up...what to do now? The insurance is going to call and get both our stories, what is the likely outcome?
Answer Hi Jordan,
Often in these situations the insurance adjusters will determine the liability to be 50/50. This means that each insurance company will pay half of the other persons damage. Parking lot accident are some of the most difficult to determine liability. Just be truthful and tell your story.
