Expert: Ron Cercone - 12/23/2009

Question
I was rear ended after merging to an exit lane on a busy metro Atlanta (GA) highway. There was heavy traffic and I stopped behind the car in front of me. I was then rear ended and was pushed into the car in front of me and that car was pushed into the car in front of her. The man said he swerved but still hit my back right tail and I hit the front left tail of the car in front of me with my front right bumper. I was pushed slightly into the next lane of traffic. The man who hit me received two tickets No proof of insur. and following too close. I filed a claim with my insurance because I called the company he stated he had insurance with and they could not match his name. One week later I find that he has insurance. He has told his insurance that he believes I was at fault for "pulling in front of him and braking" Does this sound like I could be faulted? Is it common for all the damage to be on the right side of a vehicle? Based on the damage, if I wasn't there I think he still would have hit the car in front of me. Thanks for all that you do here!  

Answer
Jessica,

Sorry for the delay, been on vacation with no internet.

Let your company handle your damages and they will fight it out with the other drivers insurance. Usually its the person who rear ended you who is at fault. Unless he has proof or witnesses who say you pulled in front of him, he will lose. Your insurer will also reimburse you your deductible after they get reimbursed from the other drivers insurer.