Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 7/9/2009

Question
Hello,

I was involved in an accident yesterday in which I was not at fault, the other driver failed to yield on a left hand turn when I was going straight through an intersection.

Unfortunatly when I arrived home and called my insurance company I was informed that my coverage had lapsed after a billing issue with a credit card I had reported stolen - this mistake was my fault and I have no excuse for not taking care of it - it simply slipped my mind.

The other driver was deemed at fault by the reporting officer and was ticketed.  My car has some front end damage, the other car has significant side damage.  

I'm unsure how to proceed now that I have discovered this problem on my end - I need any advice you may be able to offer as I'm very concerned and I suspect that I need to be even though the accident was not my fault.

Thank you in advance for any advise you can provide,

Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,

All you need to do is call the at-fault drivers insurance company to report the claim. Since their insured was at fault, they shoud take care of all of your damage & rental car during repairs. You shoudl select a quality body shop by asking friends and relatives for referrals. Do not take your car to a body shop referred by the insurance company.

If any other questions come up during the process, feel free to ask.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh