How should I dispute this motor claim against me?

Question

On 25 May 2008, while negotiating a U-turn at Bishan St 22 / Marymount Rd, I applied brakes on the car as I deemed that there was insufficient turning room to continue. The vehicle behind me knocked into the rear bumper of the car that I was driving.

Initially, both of us had agreed to rest the matter as there were only minor scratches on both vehicles. Subsequently, he had insisted that it was my sudden braking that caused the incident and demanded payment (only through phone conversation). However, I have rejected the request as he claimed $150 for the minor scuff about 4 days after the incident even though the fault does not lies with me.

He then filed a claim 5 days later, and i have only received the notice now (almost 2 months later). Furthermore, he had filed against my registered vehicle (which was found through LTA website) while the car i was driving is another vehicle.

Answer 1

He's an idiot.

He was following too closely. He was keeping an improper lookout.  He is at fault for the accident.

Here's what you do......call your insurance company (insurance on the car you were driving). Tell them what happened.

Then call the idiot and give him the phone number, claim number and adjuster's name.  Tell him you have turned the matter over to your insurance company and he is to no longer call you.

Make sure you tell your adjuster what happened. The adjuster should take a recorded statement from you about what happened. The adjuster should also take photos of your car.

The adjuster will do the same with the other driver.

Odds are - once the claim is investigated - your insurance company will deny the idiots claim. (but don't tell him this. we want him to cooperate with your adjuster. Your adjuster wants to get him on tape with his version).

If your insurance company denies him and he calls you demanding payment -- tell him to take a hike.

If he sues you - since you have notified your insurance company  - your insurance company will hire an attorney to defend you.

Make sure you cooperate fully with the adjuster investigating the accident.  

*** not legal advice. This is my opinion based on the very limited info you provided. There could be info you did not provide that could alter my answer. The adjuster assigned to your claim would be better able to answer your questions as that person is more familiar with the facts of your accident and your states laws. ***

Answer 2

He hit you in the back end and is expecting you to pay HIM? Ha Ha Ha...That's rich. He should have been further back so he would not have hit you. How was he to know you wouldn't have to make a sudden stop when a child walked out in front of you. Bad preparation on his part does not constitute an error on yours.

Answer 3

take it to a jury trial and truthfuly most states would agree that if he had that much trouble braking then he was following too close to the rear of your car, making him at fault and owing you funds to repair your car, also most states consider that his fault automaticly for hitting the rear

Answer 4

Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like there is any way you can prove that there was an agreement to not press charges.

It sucks but you have to go through the whole call the police, make statements, etc., no matter how minor the accident.

Consider yourself lucky he wasn't injured or isn't pretending to be...

Answer 5

I would just call my insurance company and explain (in detail) what happened.  Obviously, he was following too close and with just the above information he should be considered at fault.

You pay a premium for a reason, let your insurance company do their job.

Answer 6

Hey... HE rear ended you, no matter what he says, it is his fault, he was following to closely/tailgaiting, this is 100% his fault, in any state where your rear ended, the person that did it is at fault, he can not press charges on you, i suggest you contact your insurance company immeditaly and go after him.