Hi guys, I got into a minor accident yesterday. Everybody is fine, but I have to go to court. My car, well only the paint on the left front bumper around the turn signal is chipped. The cop issued me a ticket saying a I had a stop sign and crashed into the other car making a left turn.
I tried to tell the other driver I will pay him for the damage, but his g/f ran out of the car and called the police. Now I have to appear in court. I am afraid of what will happen and I am thinking about my insurance price going up. This is my first accident ever. Does anybody haave any feedback? I will appreciate it.

 

You need to go on the offensive & report it to your insurance company. You will adversely affect your rates & the next renewal. If you try to handle it out of pocket (it never works out), they can take your money & still file w/your insurance carrier. Additionally, injuries seem to manifest mysteriously after a low impact collision, so let your insurance company handle this (that's why you pay your premiums). If you don't report it & a lawsuit is later filed, coverage can be denied b/c you did not disclose the accident.

 

What state are you in? In NJ, I don't thing that just because the police were involved, that you have to go to court...unless you get a ticket that says you do.

The best you could hope for would be that each of you are 50% at fault. This would be chargable to both drivers. If they get you for more than 50% or you can prove that the other driver is more than 50% at fault, the accident will be chargable only to that driver. Unfortunately, your insurance company will probably find a way to increase your premiums, you may want to involve a lawyer.

Jim

 

I have to appear in court. I spoke to the other driver and told him not to appear in court to help me out, since the insurance already knows I got into an accident. If he doesn't appear in court and the case gets dismissed will I get away from anything else other then the fine for the ticket issued to me?