PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

lrg · #26 10-21-2004, 10:56 PM

Both sides are technically right on the insurance increase due to a claim. Technically an insurance company cannot penalize you for a non at fault claim. However, if you read your policy you'll probably find you are probably getting a "good driver discount". That they can take away. It's not fair but that's how it works. It can pay to not make a claim.

Cazzzidy, I've got to agree with the go to the police crowd. It sounds like the guy was using the "the best defense is a good offense" ploy. Don't let him get away with it. If nothing else make a police report so this meatball doesn't show up some day and claim that you hit him and you no longer have a crunched car to use to defend your side of the story. After the police report talk to your insurance company, not the agent, the company. It sounds like the agent is not giving you a good story and you can probably get a feel for what they will do for you without having to actually make a claim. Finally I'd seriously consider going to small claims court. I've been there before and it is pretty easy. It's designed for stuff like this and they don't even allow lawyers to represent people. It's you (the reasonable and obviously wronged one) versus the creep. I'd avoid hiring a lawyer because then you can't use small claims and most lawyers will not be interested because the guy doesn't have enough money. Generally speaking, accident attorneys want to see an injury before they really care. That said, if you find a friendly lawer who will offer some cheap/free advice I'd take it. Chin up. You may have lost a friend but you haven't lost your spirit. Don't let this slide or you'll have a bad feeling about this for years.