How can I avoid paying for my car damage?

Question

I just got in a wreck and want to avoid paying a lot for it.

So, I wasn't paying attention and ran a red light, before I came to the intersection I slammed on my brakes. The car that was going the right of way hit the drivers door. It seems minor, but it's dented right where the door bends to open...so now I can't open the door. I thought of getting a hammer to pry it to where it won't be bent anymore so I could open it, but my dad said it wouldn't work (although I think he might be saying that so I can learn a lesson by paying a lot for it. I think I learned my lesson when I realized that I could have been killed in that accident.). Do you have any suggestions to fix it on my own, or how to get out of paying for it or something?

p.s. No one was hurt and the other persons car had a paint chip. I realize the extent of the car wreck could have been much, MUCH worse. I came to yahoo for help. Not criticis

Answer 1

Take it to a body shop and get a estimate first and let them explain whats needs to be done, also ask them how much it would just cost to get the door to open and close then either try going it yourself or find a shade tree guy to do it for and that's that..........................

Answer 2

First off, if your door does not open properly, that is a safety issue that could cause a fatality if say the car were to catch fire or end up under water, you HAVE to get that fixed. You never mentioned anything about cops which I found unusual. If the door is really bad, you could get another complete door from an auto wrecker. Ya it will be a different color, but at least you will be able to get out of it if you ever have to, and you can have it painted. You never said how new the car was, but I got the impression that it is a bit of a beater already, in which case I would advise make sure it is absolutely SAFE and forget about it.

Answer 3

you don't need to fix the door, but it will need to work for inspection. some times we need to pay to have things fixed. you could always use the passenger door.

Answer 4

Try using a pry bar to loosen the dented area around the door so it opens. You don't need to try to remove the dent completely, just so the door is functional, even if it creaks every time you open it. If this works tell your dad you learned several lessons:

1) I must pay full attention to my driving, and that of others. I do not wish to cause harm or come to harm.

2) As a sign of penance for my driving error I will continue to drive this car, even though it now has a dented door and doesn't look so cool anymore.

3) I found I have some practical ability when it comes to repairing cars.

4) I did save money by prying out the dent. (First see if you can get a free, ball-park estimate for full repair from a body shop.) Now I can chip in on my (sure to rise) insurance bill.

Answer 5

If you don't want to pay someone to work for you and accomplish what you want done, youj have a couple of options: leave it as it is, or fix it yourself.

You could just leave it and get in and out on the passenger side.