Ok, I think this is the 3rd wreck related topic I've posted in the last year and a half, but I need some more advice. Basically I was in a wreck with 4 other cars, and the guy at fault had no insurance. I had to go through my car insurance for the repairs. I wasn't injured or anything. His wife just called me and said that they received a notice from the state, that said his license could be suspened next week if he does not settle this. She gave me a big sob story about how he is in the only one in the family with a license, they have a 2 month old baby, etc. She asked if I would consider settling it for nothing, or take a small amount of money. What should I do? I'm not sure if I should expect any compensation in this situation, if she is just trying to give me a b.s. story to get out of it or what. His wife said they need an answer by Monday.
Don't fall for it. What do you expect from someone without insurance? Of course they're going to try and weasel their way out of it by evoking sympathy from you. The fact that he has no insurance means he is irresponsible. He needs to be taught a lesson. Do the right thing.
Man, that is a tough situation. I can perfectly understand doing like drapg said, but I also can see myself being a softy. I guess it depends on how much damage was done to your vehicle.
Maybe it would be a good idea to get this uninsured driver off the road. I have to buy extra insurance so if these folks hit me, I'm not SOL, so why should he be able to get away with driving without insurance while I buy extra to protect myself from him. Get him off the road.
They illegally drive without insurance, what is to stop them from illegally diriving wihout a license?
lol good point Harrisment, I would ask her to pay for the increase in your premiums over a period of time. I would also ask her to get insurance and provide proof of her coverage to you for a set period of time.
Their problem is NOT your problem. Think about it. I bet if you were at fault, they would try to take everything you and the insurance company has.
He wasn't paying attention when the traffic in front of him slowed down. He rear ended a car, which rear ended another, etc...He was going about 30 mph at least when he hit the first car. It did about $1,000 worth of damage to my car. This is a really tough situation. I'm usually not a hard ass, so I could see myself just saying fine and letting it be over with. At the same time, I see you guys points about teaching this uninsured motorist a lesson. His wife even said they would be willing to meet in person to discuss this, but I really wouldnt feel comfortable doing that. My wife thinks she might still have the information of the other drivers involved in the accident.....do you think it would be appropriate if I called them and asked how they were planning on handling it??
No, b/c if you settle for nothing to be nice, but the others don't... she'll lose her license and you've waived your rights to any potential money, but she still lost her license.
I don't have any advice at all, but I thought a few baby pictures would be appropriate. Here you go. Here is to making the right decision:
you just gotta think................................ What would jeppetto do???.................................
I have to agree with the general consensus on the board to this point. Let's look at the situation point by point: The guy was not responsible enough to have insurance and caused an accident. He broke the law by not having insurance. He'll probably break it again by driving without a license. My bet is that he still doesn't have insurance and is still driving. Your probably never going to see a dime from these fools. Let your insurance go after them. (I assume you had uninsured coverage?) I would cut off all communication and tell them that you are no longer able to discuss this with them. My father in law tried to be nice like this, not go through his insurance, and the lady promised to pay him a certain amount every month to fix his car. After two months of promises but no money and nothing but run around she never called and every number she left was disconnected. Screw 'em. They certainly screwed a lot of people by driving recklessly with no insurance.
The best advice I can give someone in these situations is this: Think about the next time this happens. Think about the guy who gets into a wreck next time, and is hurt, and gets screwed because these people won't play by the rules. In my mind, you have a moral responsibility to make sure these people learn their lesson. Not to blow this out of proportion, but a friend of mine's little sister had to deal with this scumbag that was "her friend" had assaulted her. The guy had a history of this, but he always guilted his victims out of pressing charges. We had to sit the sister down and convince her that one day that this guy was going to rape or kill somebody, and the best thing she could do for the guy is press charges. Your situation is, morally, the same. What happens when this guy kills someone because he disrespects the law so much that he gets behind the wheel drunk? Just because you didn't get hurt too bad this time, doesn't mean the next guy will be as lucky.
Ok, so far I like this idea the most. I'm guessing my insurance would have an interest in pursuing this for me, since they had to pay for damages that were not their responsibility. I really don't want to deal with this lady or her husband anymore. Of course she has my phone number though, so I hope she doesn't track me down and slice me up or something
If you had damage to your car about a year ago, you've probably had everything fixed by now and have adjusted to the higher premiums. What could they do, give you $1000? I think they are certainly in the wrong for driving without insurance and will probably begin to drive without a license soon. But I also think that if he loses his license, in a city like this one he probably won't be able to get to work. Then how will they ever be able to pay you (not to mention pay rent, by food, etc.) He may not really have a baby, or a wife for that matter, but he probably really does need to settle this. If I were in your position, I would follow my established policy of taking the loss and moving on. Enough people have cut me breaks in so many ways when I didn't deserve it that the least I can do is show mercy to someone else.
