Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

car accident

About ten months ago, I rear ended a woman. It was a very small bump because we were stopped on a hill and I took my foot off the brake for a moment and coasted into the back of her car. We both got out and determined there to be no damage. She did not want to call the police or get insurance. I gave her my drivers license info and phone number and never heard from her again. Until ten months later. She now claims that her bumper was cracked and I have to pay her to repair it. I dont believe I have pay because of the time length between the accident and now. She also agreed no damage was done and there was no police involvement or insurance in the situation. Also, anything could have happened between now and then. SHe could have been bumped in the parking lot on accident or a son or daughter could have backed into something without telling her. Because of the ten months with no report, I believe she has nothing on me. Is this correct? and how can I prove my point legally? Thank you so much.


Asked on 11/09/07, 4:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sam Hochberg Sam Hochberg & Associates

Re: car accident

I think your remedy here is to provide this woman with your insurance information, and let your insurer deal with it. They may well tell her to go away. This could be why she didn't want to get insurance involved. She may have a history of making questionable claims, and the insurance companies know who some of these people are.

To answer your question more directly, there is no hard and fast rule that would allow you to "prove [your] point legally." It sounds more like a factual issue that your insurer may well side with you on, and reject her claim. If she even bothers to make a claim with your insurer, that is.

The other possibility, of course, is that your insurer may just decide to pay her a FEW bucks, just to make her go away. You should talk to your insurance agent about this before making a formal report.

Good luck!

-- Sam

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Answered on 11/10/07, 1:11 am


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