Bumper-bumper accident – am I being SCAMMED?
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Bumper-bumper accident – am I being SCAMMED?
I was in a minor bumper-bumper “accident” in the ATM line at the bank. I reversed & bumped the truck behind me… at a distance of under 5 feet and under 5-10 miles per hour. My car was undamaged; however, the driver of the truck behind me said I caused a dent in the chrome grill. He said he’d get it bent back in place. The bent grill was inconsistent with my vehicle, as I made even contact with the length of my back bumper to the his front bumper, so it doesn’t seem possible that my bumper would have caused the irregular bend but I didn’t question his accusation. But I offered to pay if there was a charge & gave him my telephone #. No accident, police report, etc. He called a few days later asking for $1,500 to replace the whole bumper, as well as any underlying “structural damage”. I disputed. He has called his insurance company (same as mine) and filed a claim. They want my statement. Advice?
Asked on May 11, 2009 under Accident Law, Georgia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
This is NOT legal advice as I am not your lawyer but in general I would encourage my clients to give a statement and explain that you did not report as you were waiting for the damage estimate.
You have a duty to cooperate with YOUR insurance company, and if you fail to report the accident and fail to cooperate, it can react in a way you won't like, including denying coverage and leaving you to your own devices.
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