Expert: Doctor Settlement - 10/31/2007

Question
As I was looking for parking, I backed into a parked vehicle. When the owner returned, he noticed some minor scratches that I do not believe I caused. I gave him my drivers license number, plates, and phone number. Later on at the end of the week he calls and says that I scratched the left side of his bumper when I told him thats not possible because only hit his right side. ( I was going less than 3 mph) During the phone call he said that I can pay him myself or we can go through insurance. my question is 1. should we go though insurance or just person to person? 2. should I even give him money being that he cant prove that I hit his left side of the bumper?

there was no police report and no insurace exchange

Answer
Hi Robert,

I would have him get photos and a body shop estimate, WITH PERMISSION GRANTED for you to speak with the body shop owner.  Or better yet, for you to be there and to point out the only places where you could have contact.

Trying to get more than he is entitled to is fraud.  Maybe once you speak with the body shop owner and he confirms the fact this guy is trying to snow you, one might remind him that fraud is an actionable offense.

Should you report it now?  That is hard to say, since we do not know the amount that he is seeking.  If your share of the damage is $300 or less, I would pay it.  A small rate increase is worth taking if the damages exceed that amount.

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com