Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/19/2010

Question
A few days ago I was on a 4 lane hwy driving my 1987 Chevrolet K5 Blazer (fullsize Blazer, not a S-10) when a small import car made a abrupt lane change cutting me off. I had too lock up my breaks to avoid killing the idiot in the import. ( No doubt in my mind that had I hit the idiot he would not have survived.) Locking up the breaks at 50 mph does make it difficult to keep the vehicle pointed in the same direction. I managed to avoid hitting any other vehicles and the guard rail, almost had my truck back under control when a pick up hit my right side door. Ofcorse the idiot in the import did not stop. Police wrote it up as a no fault accident. Damage not as bad as could have been. Needs right side door, maybe fender, but I think it can be straitened. Just replaced Drag link, tie rod end, steering stabilizer, and had it re-aligned. Guy that hit me insurance company company is trying too say my fault, and doesn't want to pay for repairs. I've never had anything like this happen before. What do you recommend ??

Answer
Hi Paul,

With no witnessess, this is your word against the other driver. Your vehicle was sort of fishtailing and the other driver likely said that is why he hit you. About the best you can hope for is a 50/50 liability decision. Thay will pay half of your damage and you will pay half of their damage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh