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Auto Insurance Claims/Parking lot auto accident

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Expert: - 9/19/2009


Question
I was involved in a accident about a month ago in a parking lot. I was driving down the lane and someone backed out and hit me. The right fromt of my car hit the center of his bumper. His insurance company is saying that it is my fault. Because his client said he was out in the drive lane and fixing to put his car in drive when we hit.But that is not true. I hade to back up 6 plus feet for him to get out. I dont know what to do. I already have $8,000. in medical bill and per the doc im looking at alot more. When i told his insurance of the amoutn of injury that i got from the accident he kinda changed his toon. But i still think he is going to try to pen it on me. Please advise who you think is at fault and what you think i should do next.

Answer
I don't have enough information to decide who was at fault.  I can tell you that $8000 in medical bills is very unusual for parking lot accidents.  These are usually low speed collisions where no one is injured.  

Parking lot accidents frequently involve dispuites as to what happened and who was at fault.  Sometimes people are confused and sometimes they lie.  But it happens all the time.  Each insurance company will investigate and try to make the best decision.  Sometimes the evidence is not clear, so they just support their customer.

You have a couple options.  If you have collision coverage, you can let your insurance company handle your damages and the subrogate against bthe other driver.  This means they will try to collect from his insurer.  You can also hire a lawyer to go after him.

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Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

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