My first Accident

Long story short, I backed into someone in front of my wife's work.  My rear driver's side bumper smooshed in the front pass. side headlight/fender of an older 240SX.  I fixed mine last night by removing the rear bumper, straightening my nice Route 66 plates that kinda look nice now
 
That car is so low, I literally didn't see it in my mirrors.  I was backing into a spot on a side street and this car came behind me, then I went into resverse, then poof.  It wasn't too bad, but since the guy and his wife didn't have his ID and insurance, so I got lucky that he doesn't want much.  It could have been worse.  I'm just giving him some money and it's all good.  He was nice, she was nice, my wife's family was all there (happend in front of her sister's tax office) and of course they were making  a stink, even though it was my fault, they are saying don't pay they didn't have their ID.  Well, I'm a little disturbed now that her sister, brother, etc, all have the mentallity that if you can get away with it, do it.  I am all about doing the right thing. 
 
The only thing I have to buy for my H3 is a new bulb for the plate light.  The dent is still there, but not a biggie.  I'll put the plastic back on tonight and get it looking normal again.
 
Go Me

Sorry to hear that... At least you didn't back up into a Z06.  One suggestion---- BACKUP SENSORS!  Best thing I did for the truck (except mudflaps and a snipped off antenna!) 

That car was just as low.  Even after I hit the guy, I couldn't see the car in any of my mirrors.  I had the mirrors set a little high because I do mostly highway driving, but that was crazy.  I didnt see what I hit until I stepped out of the car!  So I really wasn't neglegent, but I know to keep my mirrors pointed down now.

doesn't the H3 come with curb assist side view mirrors?  they wouldn't help directly behind you, but the H2s side view mirrors tilt down when you put it in reverse.

No they don't.  He was on the side of me in the rear.  It's a nasty blind spot I discovered the hard way, not in the typical place you would normally have one.  I don't know how to explain it.  Since this is the first time I have ever hit anybody in my life, I think I'm doing ok so far for being 31.  I finally have a notch on my belt.

Screw that, make them put in an insurance claim .. probably didn't want to because they don't have any insurance themselves or something ... I'd NEVER give em money .. hell, why do you think I maintain my insurance!???  Allstate with accident forgiveness baby, yeah ...

and pay a 500 deductible to fix 800 of damage and have it on my record, when i'm only giving him 600 and save 100 bucks? Not worth it dude.  I'd rather work 2 or 3 extra hours and make that money then dealing with the BS that comes with all this. 
 
I have Allstate also, but not worth all the BS.

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummerGuy

and pay a 500 deductible to fix 800 of damage and have it on my record, when i'm only giving him 600 and save 100 bucks? Not worth it dude.  I'd rather work 2 or 3 extra hours and make that money then dealing with the BS that comes with all this. 

jeeez... I need a different job.. I guess crime does pay...

Hey now, just because I work for a lawfirm doesn't mean people are constantly screwing other people over for money and power and doing things they shouldn't be doing.  Oh, wait, nevermind, you are right!

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummerGuy

and pay a 500 deductible to fix 800 of damage and have it on my record, when i'm only giving him 600 and save 100 bucks? Not worth it dude.  I'd rather work 2 or 3 extra hours and make that money then dealing with the BS that comes with all this. 

I have Allstate also, but not worth all the BS.

 
Correct me if I am wrong here .. your deductible is 500, you gave him $600 .. how exactly does that save you $100 bucks!?  Sounds like you spent $100 dollars MORE to me.  I just don't see the point of maintaining auto insurance if you pay people off cash .. now what if he goes and makes a claim ON TOP OF IT!?!?!   Just a thought ... 
 
And *NEVER* expect people to do the right thing when it involves money  ... that's like asking to get screwed prison style ....

quote:

ORIGINAL: ZYNE

[And ... that's like asking to get screwed prison style ....

Ummm..you speak from experience Bubba?

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummerGuy

Hey now, just because I work for a lawfirm doesn't mean people are constantly screwing other people over for money and power and doing things they shouldn't be doing.  Oh, wait, nevermind, you are right!

 
i reckon since u work for a lawfirm u'll aready know this but make him sign something  to show thats its paid infull
i'd hate to see him try to get more out of ya later  
just an idea to cover ur butt

I definintely will.  My point is that my time and clean driving record is worth more then saving $100 by going through the insurance company. They can't file a claim.  I have 5 witnesses that all saw and heard both of them say he was driving with no license or insurance.  He is honestly afraid of ME filing a report on him.  Why should I go through all that crap for what, so I can get out of paying an extra 100 bux, when I'll have to spend 500 on the insurance and all my time and money working on it, not to mention having that crap on my record? It's not worth it to me. 

So sorry to hear that..I admire your honesty, there are alot of people out there who just don't give a damn..If my hummer was hit by another vehicle, I'm sure they wouldn't think twice about leaving their name or #..they would go home and not have a guilt at all..

Thank you!  That's exactly why even though people say, well I wouldn't do this or they wouldn't do that, I won't turn into one of those people.  If it comes and bites me back, then it does, but oh well, I know I am doing the right thing, and that means more to me then money. 
 
Besides, the last thing I wanted was to see a guy that was trying to be nice about it get arrested in front of his 4 year old son because he forgot his license.   People make mistakes in life.  If there was more forgiveness in the world then finger pointing then the world would be a better place.

sorry to hear Mike...that blows. I know here in NJ you have something like 10 days to produce a licence and insurance card if you get into an accident so he wouldn't of broken any lays here....if he did have insurance. Hope it all works out for ya!

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dennis

quote:

ORIGINAL: ZYNE

[And ... that's like asking to get screwed prison style ....

Ummm..you speak from experience Bubba?

 
From a financial aspect I've been gang raped once LOL!  Hence my zero tolerance policy and doing things strictly by the book.  I would personally call in a cop for ANY kind of accident above and beyond a fender bender .. this just so I can produce a report to my insurance company if needed .. if that puts someone on the spot .. sorry about your luck but it's YOUR problem not mine if you drive without a valid license or insurance.  I don't expect to treated any differently which is why I have my sh!t in order .. it's the least you can expect of an adult in my opinion!

If you get pulled over in the state of Ohio without valid insurance you get a curtesy ride so to speak.  None of this 10 day grace period anymore .. Can't recall when they changed that but it's been in the last 2-3 years I believe.  Personally if someone hit me and didn't have insurance I'd sure as hell get the cops on the scene, regardless of their situation ... can't afford it!?  Then don't drive .. that simple folks ..

It was a fender bender.  That's why I didn't make a big deal of it.  I completely agree with you; if it was MORE then that, I would have done it by the book, but it was literally a fendor bender, but because of the car, the headlight housing alone would cost $200 to $300 for that car.  Have you ever priced an import headlight? They are rediculous, especially on a Nissan.

Next time watch what you are doing instead of think of the new movie.
 

Yes I have, they are not cheap.  Not arguing who's at fault here (sorry buddy lol) or the costs .. I'm simply disagreeing with the resolution to the problem because I think it can invite a lot of additional issues ... If I knew the person I hit I would pay for it out of pocket .. a complete stranger .. not a chance upon gawds green earth .. by the book baby!  People are dishonest by nature anytime money is involved .. what is there that says he didn't put that act on to get $ out of you and then turned around and filed a claim too!?  It's your thumbs and ultimately your a-hole they end up in if he screws you over .. now prove he received $600 from you .. you can't unless you have a receipt .. now try to get that money back .. and you'll find yourself in small claims court instead .. by the time that damn crap is over that head light has costed you thousands ... and if he doesn't pay up you have to take him BACK to court .. 
Obviously this would be worst case scenario but like I said .. anytime there's money involved I don't put ANYTHING passed people ...

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummerGuy

I definintely will.  My point is that my time and clean driving record is worth more then saving $100 by going through the insurance company. They can't file a claim.  I have 5 witnesses that all saw and heard both of them say he was driving with no license or insurance.  He is honestly afraid of ME filing a report on him.  Why should I go through all that crap for what, so I can get out of paying an extra 100 bux, when I'll have to spend 500 on the insurance and all my time and money working on it, not to mention having that crap on my record? It's not worth it to me. 

 
I agree 100% Mike the insurance will kill you. I think you did the right thing

Plus, depending on your insurance company, once an accident report is filed it gets sent to Carfax, if you ever want to sell this will knock money off the amount you can get

You're right Nick, but let's just hope that doesn't happen.  I'm going to make him sign something saying he got the money though.  I'm not going to make it that easy.

Bummer on the fender bender Mike.  I think you did the right thing as well be not going through insurance for something like this. It demonstrates taking personal responsibility, and doing the right thing.  Chances are, beyond the deductable, your rates would probably increase, and end up costing more in the long run.