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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Moral dilemma?
        
(Message started by: Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:02am)

Title: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:02am

Ok so I am trying to merge on to the main street in my town, there is an older Mercedes in front of me, a gap in traffic comes and he goes or at least it looked like he went. I was looking back for a gap for me one came I went but as I look in front of me it was to late to stop from hitting the Mercedes. Seems he was cut off and had to slam on the brakes.
So we both pull over and there is a little dent under the trunk button and a scuff on the bumper, the guy is Hispanic and says well it’s my boss’s car and just give me your number and if he doesn’t notice don’t worry about it. So I am pretty sure this guy had no license or he would have wanted my insurance, so I figure cool there is only a little dent in my bumper that you can hardly see so cool and we both leave.
So I get to work today and I have a message from the owner and his insurance wanting me to call them. I guess I could just ignore the calls, I mean what the hell do the have a business card of mine but no witnesses or anything to say I did it right.
I always try to do the right thing and it bugs me to not call them back and give them my insurance but at the same time it was the prick that cut him off’s fault wasn’t it?
Or was it mine for not seeing him in time?

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by alchemy on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:11am

Matt, I'm not judge Judy but I kind of think it's your fault for not seeing the car. I wasn't there so I can't say for sure. It seems to me though if the driver didn't have a license you got a freebie.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:11am

No Matt, in most states it would be your fault.
And, note to yourself: Always get the drivers info.

I would definately call the insurance company. I am sure they would like to know that the driver was unwilling to give his information, and that he specifically said he was not the owner.

Regardless of how dumb other drivers are, it is your responsibility to not hit them. Even if someone slams on the breaks on a highway, it is still your responsibility to not hit them, as dumb as that may seem.

B$

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by nani on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:13am

Honesty...is always the best policy. IMHO

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Jimmy_B. on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:13am

Legally...it's you're fault. Morally...well that's up to you.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:17am

I agree, I feel it was my fault for not seeing him, think I may have to call my insurance and see what they have to say about it. I just hate telling my insurance that I hit someone, it’s the first accident that will be my fault, but have had a lot of ones that where not but my insurance had to payout on, I just don’t need my insurance going up right now, I have way to many doctors bills to pay.

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:24am

I wouldnt bother calling your insurance company. You probably have a deductable anyway, so they would end up not paying much at all but would still increase your rate.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:32am

My deductible only applies to repairs to my car, doesn’t it?
I am pretty sure that my insurance will pay for there’s in full and the only thing I have to worry about is my rates going up.

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Paul98 on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:33am

Have the guy get an estimate and send it to you. Might be easiest to just pay for it. If it is unreasonable, let your Ins. Co. deal with it.

Some companys have a forgivness policy for accidents like 1st accident dosn't effect your rates but if you have one within a certian period again your rates go through the roof.

I have found it best to inform the Ins. Co. no matter how small the damage. You never know what might come back at you if you dont.

-P.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by kimmiedawn81 on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:37am

on 08/21/06 at 11:13:29, nani wrote:

Honesty...is always the best policy. IMHO

I agree.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:38am

That’s what I told my wife, if we try and ignore it it will probably bite us in the ass like everything else seems to do.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:39am

IMHO---Always call the police. If the guy didn't have a legal license , well he would have been screwed. Legally--it is always the fault of the person that does the hitting, as you're supposed to have full control of your car at all times. A situation like this always sucks, but honesty is the best policy. Whatever you decide to do---Good Luck !! It is pobably not going to be a big deal.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 11:52am

The practical side of me says screw them, let them try and get info from me but I am a moralistic person and am proud of being a good man and an honest man, so I am going to call my insurance and see what they want to do.

I struggle some times over right and wrong but always go to what’s right, I sleep better that way.

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 12:58pm

As usual my morals got the better of me and I did the right thing.
:(
I called my insurance and gave them all the information and they are going to deal with them and decide if they should pay or not since the guy would not give me any information and may not have had a license or even permission to drive the car.

Being a good person sucks some times, if it had been the other way around do you think the guy would be returning my calls?
I think not. Just hope my rates don’t go up.

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by E-Double on Aug 21^st, 2006, 1:05pm

Sorry dude..........morals aside...you rearended the guy regardless of him being cut off.

That is what happened.

I was once sandwiched ibetween 2 cars, having been rearended then slammed into the guy in front of me. I was driven about 10 feet until I hit the back of the guys car and I was injured.

I was still sued b/c I rearended him.

Good luck.

E

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by chewy on Aug 21^st, 2006, 1:18pm

The fact that you hit him will probably put you at 51% at fault.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by LadyLuv on Aug 21^st, 2006, 1:32pm

Matt.. make sure that the guy they produce to your insurance company is the same guy that was driving the car...

Same kind of incident happened with my sister; the guy driving told her it was okay and not to worry about it.... He was driving his boss car (boss owned a restaurant, and the driver had a name tag on). Two days later she was contacted by the police department for a hit-and-run.. The guy the owner produced had a driver license, but Rosie told them that wasn't the guy driving when the accident happened, the owner insisted that it was. She gave the officer the name that she remembered on the tag and upon further investigation (her and the officer later going to the restaurant) the guy was found at the restaurant
waiting tables and he had no license.

Her insurance company paid no money, the owner of the restaurant was arrested (for trying to pull a scam), and also the guy that lied and said he as driving..

LL

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Melissa on Aug 21^st, 2006, 1:40pm

on 08/21/06 at 13:05:37, E-Double wrote:

Are you serious?? I was sandwiched between 2 vehicles also at a red light. A lady came up behind me and the sun was directly on us all, but she didn't pay attention that we were STOPPED in front of her. She slammed into the back of my car which then hit the car in front of me.

Her insurance had to pay for all 3 vehicles. :-/

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Sandy_C on Aug 21^st, 2006, 2:35pm

I agree with Melly.

I was sandwiched while driving my mother home from her job (I was a newbie driver). Stopped at a light,I was hit from the rear, which shoved me in to the car in front of me. Guy that hit hit me, was taken to the hospital - his head hit his steering wheel, my mom was in traction for whiplash, our dog (who was riding in the back seat) ended up on the front floor board had to wear a cone around his head so he couldn't lick the stiches he got - I was uninjured because I could see it happening in my rearview mirror and just held on. Totaled my mom's car! We looked like an acordian.

The guy that hit me was drag racing with another car in the right lane on a busy street, at 5:00 rush hour. I saw the other racer blow past me just as I was hit. I reported this to the cops, the guy who hit me was busted, and he ratted on his racing buddy, to they both got nailed.

The racer who hit me (while driving his daddy's car) had to pay the full shot for my car, mom's medical expenses, the vet bills for the dog, and the damage to the guy in front of me.

Sandy

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 3:07pm

This stuff can get nasty, and with my luck they would say I was the one who would not give up the information and try and get me for a hit and run. So am glad I called my insurance and reported what happened to protect myself from this guy trying to get a new car out of it or something. Guess we will see what happens, there insurance has not tried to call me back and the number they left was disconnected, not sure what’s up with that but there a way to many shady people out there that just want to take advantage of the system any way they can, so you have to protect yourself at all times.

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mrs Deej on Aug 21^st, 2006, 5:24pm

on 08/21/06 at 12:58:04, Mattrf wrote:

Good for you honey!! Being honest can be a bitch sometimes, but you always feel better getting it out into the open. Besides, karma is an even bigger bitch!!! :-/

Hope it doesn't get too nasty and expensive for you, but honestly, you did the right thing!

[smiley=twocents.gif] & [smiley=hug.gif]
Steph

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Sandy_C on Aug 21^st, 2006, 5:38pm

Wait a minute ...

Their insurance company has not called you? Their insurance company phone number is disconnected?

Oh, baby, you did the right thing by calling your own insurance company.

I would even recommend now, even though it's after the fact, that you file a police report. The cops won't/can't do much about it now, but, it's on file. Won't hurt.

Sandy

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Jonny on Aug 21^st, 2006, 5:47pm

I hope GrandmaSweetBoy sees this thread, shes works for an insurance company and I think she may even be a car accident investigator....or something like that.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mattrf on Aug 21^st, 2006, 5:59pm

The guy I hit just called me and started asking about me fixing the car, I gave him the 800 # and the report number and told him to have his insurance call mine and they would work it out. I asked him if he had a license and he said he did but I think he was lying.
Oh well out of my hands, my insurance wants to pay that’s up to them but I think they will say since they guy told me not to worry about it that, that was a release of responsibility and tell them to go away.

Matt

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Mrs Deej on Aug 21^st, 2006, 7:15pm

This could be a serious FRAUD situation!!!

Watch yourself, and make sure that you don't give them any personal information UNLESS it is the insurance company!!!

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by purpleydog on Aug 21^st, 2006, 7:49pm

I was hit from behind while pulling forward to get out into traffic. The woman thought I was going, and hit me. There was really no damage to our cars to speak of, and we exchanged info, and because I was turned looking over my left shoulder when she hit me, I had to go see the doc later. My insurance told me to file a police report, which I did, and she met me at the police station, and I settled with the insurance. Her insurance paid.

I was once coming up behind a woman, and was slowing down, she was doing about 30 in a 35 mph, and I was slowing down from 30, because I had to turn, and she decided to slam on her brakes. Well, her car stopped faster than my truck, and I rear ended her. She begged me not to call the police, as she had a warrant out on her, so she said. I called my insurance, and filed a police report later. She never showed up to file her side of the report, but was suddenly in need of a doctor. That was over a year ago, and my insurance hasn't gone up.

It's good that you called. This kind of thing will come back to bite you in the ass later, especially if there were witnesses.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by purpleydog on Aug 21^st, 2006, 8:09pm

on 08/21/06 at 17:59:15, Mattrf wrote:

Oh well out of my hands, my insurance wants to pay that’s up to them but I think they will say since they guy told me not to worry about it that, that was a release of responsibility and tell them to go away.

Matt

Did you sign a release? Did he? Verbal doesn't do it in the insurance business. But, you still did the right thing.

One other thing, insurance doesn't assign 100% blame to one party or the other. Party's share the blame. They may be at 10% and you at 90%, but that's how they do it, and that's how they pay it.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Jonny on Aug 21^st, 2006, 8:19pm

Here ya go, York ;;D

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l62/yorky_2006/ScouserOnaBike1.jpg

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by purpleydog on Aug 21^st, 2006, 8:21pm

;;D

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by cootie on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 12:50pm

I think it's sumtimes 'better safe then sorry' can apply to stuff like this.......these days people are so sue happy ya just dunno WHAT could happen. The other guys boss could of went balistic and then the guy drivein get scared and try to claim he was hurt but decided not to do much cuz you intimidated him. Who knows these days what people are capable of and how BAD they can twist things around to ruin your life......even a simple fender bender. I know people that have pulled that crap......more then once........so I guess I have a different view on it all. I had a shopping cart get away from me at Walmart with a big watermelon left in it.....and the parking lot is sorta on a hill like alot of them in our area. Dam that thing picked up speed just before it slammed into the side of that brand new Lexus. I didn't know WHAT to do.....I wanted the watermelon bad enuff to run down to get it but I could never of caught and stopped the cart so I left it go. And stood by my vehicle tryin to decide what to do ! Sum man seen it and was yelling WHOA WHAO WHOA (as if that'd work) but he could of got my lisence and started sum shit with the owner if I took off and left him a note or waited for him. I ended up LEAVEING the scene of the crime (hee-hee-hee).....was a small DING on the door but I jus didn't know WHAT to do !!!!!! No one much else was around. So I guess that was bad of me.....but I kept thinkin how it could of cost me alot of money if the guy wanted to go OVERBOARD on the matter. And knowing people that have dedicated there lives to sueing to get ahead in the world I panic'd. Course I have had some major damage done to my new vehicles in parking lots and at bonfire party's and no one ever spoke up and it cost me sum bucks to fix it. Sum loose either way Pam

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by alchemy on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 1:19pm

I'm not knocking anyone here but I'm one of those people who if I cause damage to something I find the owner and come clean. It always seemed to me to be the best way to resolve a situation before someone flips out because they think you didn't give a shit.
my cousins wife was rearended by a guy driving home. the guy took off. She was injured in the accident but got the plate number. My cousin happens to be a cop and got the address went over to the guys house and confronted him. the guy was well you can't do anything dumb dumb dumb. my cousin produced his badge kept the guy there till a cruiser showed up to haul him to jail.
the guy would have been much better off stopping and sorting it out there. my dumb 2cents

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by superhawk2300 on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 6:47pm

Your rates going up depend on your insurance company and your past record.

I only had one accident that was my fault, kind of like yours, adn my rate didn't automaticly go up after they paid for the other guy's bumper replacement (andit didn;t go upat all).

I'd peronsally own upto it right away. I believe thinks can only get worse by ignoring it, but I don't know all the details of your current life, etc. so I won't judge you.

You'll have to use yourgut judgment.

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Aug 23^rd, 2006, 8:40pm

I know that insurance laws differ from country to country but I think if you read the small print in your contract of insurance that you have an obligation to report any and all accidents to your insurer.

The rule in the Province where I live and work is that if you rear end another vehicle, you are 100% responsible. No question about it.

If you're stopped in traffic and you're hit and pushed into the vehicle ahead of you, the striking vehicle is responsible for your damage and the guy ahead of you. If however, you're not completely stopped when hit - then you become responsible for the vehicle ahead.

It wouldn't matter a rat's behind what was said verbally at the scene. The Fault Chart Determination Rules are exactly that!

Our Province is a "no fault" province which only means that it doesn't matter who is at fault - your own insurance company will take care of your medical needs and income replacement (to a maximum of $400.00/wk) and you don't have a right to sue unless your injuries meet the threshold. Your own insurer also pays for the damage to your vehicle and there is no right of subrogation against the other insurer.

Okay kids - Insurance 101 Lecture over for today. Go back to whatever you were doing before I stuck my face into this one!

Matt - you did the right thing - now let the insurance companies battle it out. You have no obligation to speak to the guy or his insurer unless you choose to do so.

Carol

Title: Re: Moral dilemma?
Post by Jonny on Aug 23^rd, 2006, 8:43pm

My Baby has spoken, listen to her!!!!