Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 10/18/2009

Question
Dear Sr, A vehicle that was inappropriately/illegally parked in a lot, parked diagonally and blocking other vehicles including mine, has made a claim to his insurance as a uninsured motorist case against me. at the time of the incident, we both agreed to settle the case without involving a police/report. I gave him my DL info for follow up later.

At the time of the accident my insurance had expired and I was in the process to renew it. This was not discussed or confirmed since the time of the accident.

A week later, he handed me his insurance report/estimate copy. At the time of the accident, he was driving his wife's vehicle who is the person who shows in the insurance report as the insured driver for the vehicle.

What do I expect to face in the near future from this case?

What can I do to minimize any liability, based on the fact that he was not properly parked at the time I mildly hit his left fender while rear backing from the parking lot?


Your help is much appreciated.

Rob


Answer
Hi Rob,

Unfortunately, the fact that he was illegally/improperly parked is not relevant. Any time you hit a stationary object, you are considered to be 100% at fault.

It appears that the other person has filed a claim on his insurance. They will pay for the repairs to his vehicle and then they will come after you for reimbursement. You can go ahead and contact them to start the process of making payment arrangements or you can waite until you are contacted by the insurance company. You should start making plans to have some money available. If you do not pay them or make a reasonable payment arrangement, they will file suit against you and obtain a judgement.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh