Legal Question in Personal Injury in Wisconsin
Fender bender
I hit the back of a truck causing damage to the trailer hitch and tailgate. The police were not involved. I gave the driver my name, address and phone number. He has contacted me with a damage estimate twice. The 2nd time he raised the price. I do not have insurance. I would like to pay him but I'm not sure were it will end. I don't even know if I caused all the damage. We both left the scene without doing much of an inspection to the vehicles. The only damage I noticed was the bent trailer hitch. What can I do or what are my legal rights in obtaining a fair estimate considering the police were not involved?
Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Fender bender
#1 go buy car insurance and be sure to buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. #2 send the driver to a body shop of your choice to have another estimate done. #3 when settle on an amount make sure the driver releases you completely for all damages. You might be able to find a form at law library, like Marquette's or UW's.
Re: Fender bender
I think that you can reasonaly request two estimates from reputable body shops to confirm the property damage. I would suggest that when you reach an agreement with the other party on the amount of the damages to be paid, that you also have a release form to be signed to confirm acceptance of the payment and that it is a release of all claims, either known or unknown, for any damages that were caused by the collision. This should give you the peace of mind that you desire.
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