Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 3/24/2009

Question
I accidentally backed up into a worktruck parked in my driveway back in Sept.2008.I promptly got out and notified him (he was paked behind me)he came out and assesed there was very little to no damage, and none to my vehicle either. He has my home address and phone number, and now, 6 months later, is claiming that he got an estimate for over $2500 and would like to settle something. Am I liable for any of these damages, we did not exchange any insurance information or call and report any claims becaue there was very little or no damage, and he said he didn't care, it was just a work truck.

Answer
Hi Francesca,

You should ask him to bring the truck back to your house for you to see the damage and the repair estimate. When he gets there you should take photos of the damage and verify if it is the same kind of damage you remember being there. If the damage and the repair estimate seem correct, you do owe for the repair. You can either pay for the cost out of pocket or report the claim to your insurance company.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh