Legal Question in Personal Injury in Louisiana
My car was in a minor accident-I accidentally dented the bumper of a parked car while backing out of my driveway. It was a small dent on her left side. Instead of getting an estimate of the damage to give to my insurance company, the owner of the dented car took the car to the shop to repair the dent and sent a bill for $600. Then she told me that she would charge me $1000 for the damage based on how she felt the damage was really worth. I refused to pay because I felt that the damage was way less than either amount and that she did not give me enough time to contact my insurance company. She feels that she needs a new bumper, but the dent was small-there is not enough significant damage to warrant a new bumper. Am I within my rights by refusing to pay this amount?
3 Answers from Attorneys
She has the right to repair her car at the place of her choice; however, pictures should have been taken and usually the insurance company may have wanted to estimate damages. If it went to court, the court would want three estimates and they usually choosd lowest. You only pay what is actually repaired. You certainly can dispute the amount.
You do not have to pay anything. But you take a chance of her going to court and getting a judgment for more......although I doubt that here if your facts are correct. Just contact your insurance company and let them handle it. That is why you pay premiums.
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