Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 11/9/2009

Question
Recently my daughter was car #6 in a nine car front to rear collision on the interstate. The police report states that car #1 slowed for traffic congestion and a chain reaction occurred. My daughter states she hit the car in front of her and was struck from behind. The car in front of my daughter has naturally filed a claim with my ins. When I called to file a claim on the car that struck my daughter, the adjuster said their client was stopped and was pushed into my daughters car, therefore denying responsibility to my daughters car. No tickets were issued by the police. I live in OK and the accident occurred in TX. Is the car that hit my daughter at least responsible for the rear end damage to her car?  

Answer
Hi Richard,

Since the car that hit your daughter has denied liability, if you have insurance on this vehicle you should file this claim on your own collision coverage. Due to the fact that there many cars involved, it may take several months for all of the companied involved to settle on who is liable for what.

If the car that rearended your daughter was in fact hit and pushed into your daughter they would not be responsible for her damage. Instead the car that pushed the car into your daughter would be responsible.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh