Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello, leaving a parking lot after seeing all is clear and making a left hand turn onto a 4 lane road with traffic in opposite directions.I got into the closes lane which was the left lane after traveling about 50 yards I was hit on the front passenger side door by the left corner bumper of a car coming out of the right lane. The woman admittted to the police that she hit me but the insurance company is refusing to fix my car. Who is at fault? Any thoughts would be welcomed.

ANSWER: Hi Anthony,

Its hard to say without hearing both sides of the story. However, in most cases if you make a left turn across traffic and you are hit by someone comming from your left, it would be considered to be your fault.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Hixenbaugh sorry for the misunderstanding, I had made my left turn going west and went about 50yards when I got hit on my right passenger door by a car in the right lane going west also.

Answer
Hi Anthony,

Thanks for the clarification.

Based on the fact that you were hit on the right side after completing your left turn and then traveling 50 feet, it would seem to me that the other driver would be at fault. Of course I do not have the benefit of hearing the other drivers story.

It sounds like the other driver likely told the insurance company that you crossed into there lane causing the accident or some other story. In that case, they will usually take the side of their insured. You should likely place the claim through your own insurance company (if you have collison coverage) and let them fight it out with the other insurance company. Otherwise you will have to try to convince them that they are liable.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh