Help! I rear-ended someone. What should I do?

Question

About 3 hours ago, I rear ended a parked car. It was so stupid on my part, really. It was a parallel park situation, and I thought the gear shift was in reverse but it was actually in 1st. Luckily the people were there so we exchanged insurance information. I'm guessing I didn't hit them too hard (like 1-2mph at impact) because only scratches were left on their rear bumper and on my front bumper. Nonetheless, I rear-ended them and I am definitely at fault. This is my first time too so I'm not sure what's going to happen next. I'm just worried that he might make other claims (i.e. back injury, door jam, etc.). I was thinking I should call him up and we both go to a local body shop and agree on an estimate over there. Unfortunately, they are not locals and I don't know what they are going to do. Do I just wait and let insurance take care of it?

I'm so relieved that my dad didn't get pissed though.

I am definitely using this as a learning experience.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Answer 1

You report it to your insurance company, and let them deal with it.  They will only pay for damages that are causally related to the accident.

Edit - just read some of the postings, if for some reason the other party pursues a claim for injuries and actually files suit, you do not have to find an attorney.  Your insurance carrier will defend you and pay for any legal cost incurred.

Answer 2

if he complains of back injuries you should get a lawyer.

Answer 3

just wait and let the insurance handle it

Answer 4

I'm with Lawnboy. Let your insurance company handle this. This is what you pay them for. They will assess the damage to the vehicle. They will also address any injuries if or when they are claimed. Hiring a lawyer is NOT necessary. As Lawnboy says, your insurance company has legal counsel on staff. I'm sure your accident is not their first claim ;) Good luck

Answer 5

Well put it this way "CALL THEM RIGHT NOW" and tell him that you pay him 300 or 400 for the damage because that accident is going to be on your driving record for 3 yrs maybe 5 in some states and you're going to end up paying a lot more on it (assuming that there's no injuries). Keep in mind that if a police took report of the accident no matter what happens is going to be on your driving record or even if you call the insurance company and they don't pay for it "IT WILL BE ON YOUR DRIVING RECORD" good luck.

Answer 6

well first you got to calm yourself down don't get too bunched up this kinda stuff happens its your first and probably not your last. let the insurance company take it from here and if he does come up with back or neck injury story then start looking into lawyers but I'm sure if they didn't start it right off the get go it most likely will not come up

Answer 7

next time call the police for a report. Another good idea is carry a disposable camera in your car, and next time take pictures, of the damage to both vechiles. Maybe since it was only scratches the other owner wont report it to the insurance company,