Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 10/27/2010

Question
Hi,

I'd like to ask what to do on my situation I had this evening.

Tonight, I parked my car on the street (parallel parked# and later I got back to my car to get home.
As usual, I backed up, I checked my mirror of course, I moved back slightly to make room in the front. I noticed the driver was present in the car behind me.
As I tried to make a slight left turn so I can get my car out, a girl who was in the car behind me called me.
She had her neck out of the window and called me.

I thought that I might have bumped her car a little bit. But I was sure that it was nothing as I didn't feel any bump, nor sudden stoppage.
So I got out and talked to her. As I expected, there was no new damage on my rear bumper. #I had my old ding on the right side of rear bumper a year back#
However, she pointed out right side of her front bumper and indicated that there is a scratch.
I've checked it and surely there was a scratch, however I could notice the hint of yellow marks#my car is black) and severity was high compare to be just a parking lot bump.
I was suspicious that she might wanted to bring me into this case so she can repair her car with my money.

She told me that she doesn't have insurance, but it is her father's car.
She asked me if we can settle by paying her money at that time. But I refused since I had no cash with me at that time and also I don't believe I have done any damage to her car.
Also I tried to take pictures to make reference, but the my phone had low battery so it wouldn't allow me to shoot photos.
So instead, we shared our phone numbers. I gave her my policy number but she didn't give me hers since she didn't have the insurance policy.

I really think I haven't done any physical damage to her car. The scratch on her right side of the front bump can not be caused by my car, since I was backing up straight.
If there was damage done, I would suspect that I would have damaged center of her car's bumper.
Again I didn't feel any sudden stop or anything.

Anyway, she said that she will check her car tomorrow when it is bright and call me back.
I am wondering what I should do.

Thanks for your time,
I tried to my best to explain this situation clear.

Answer
Hi Mintae,

For the moment you should do nothing. Call the other driver and ask them to meet you at a body shop to assess the damage. Bring your camera or phone (fully charged). When you get there take several photos of the bumper from different angles as well as the all 4 corners of the car from about 12 feet away. Then go into the body shop and ask them to come give an estimate of the cost of the repairs. If it is only a scratch, it should be able to be repaired. This should cost less than $500.00. If you feel that you may have caused the damage and the amount is something you can pay out of pocket, then have the other person sign a paper stating that you are paying in full and they can vever come back for more. This is a full release of all claims. Have her sign this paper before you give any money. If they refuse to sign the paper or if you can not afford to pay the amount, then call your insurance company and report the claim and they will handle it.

If you call the other driver to set this up and they inform you they have already called your insurance, then don't do any of the above. Just let your insurance handle it.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh