Hit by a drunk driver.

[Irving]

The police only show up to record what the parties involved tell them. It IS important to get a police report, as it can help you determine who is closer to the truth when there are conflicting statements, but that is about the extent of the usefulness of the report. Just a record of observable facts of the accident, after the accident happened. Locations of vehicles, skid marks, damage on vehicles, etc. The police weren't there, so they don't know any more than the adjuster does. Plus, the police are only dealing with criminal issues. Insurance is a civil matter. I had many claims where people would say to me "Well the other guy got the ticket, so he must be at fault." or "Well the officer said the other person was at fault."

I have to explain to them that it doesn't really matter what the police said, as they don't get to decide the civil matter in this case. Asking a police officer for accident advice is about as much of a poop shoot as asking about gun laws. Police have a LOT of laws and regulations to be aware of and they really can't be experts on everything.

So, a police report can be a great thing to have, but it can also be completely meaningless. With that said, I fully agree that in ANY accident, it is always the best idea to call the police and try to get a police report. This will prevent people from completely denying involvement in an auto accident. It sounds ridiculous, but people do that all the time. Car accidents suck.


EDIT: I really hope I'm not coming across rude, as I'm not trying to be. It's just that the police aren't in charge of deciding fault in auto accidents. They write down what people tell them, record any facts that are available, and that's it.

[DD977GM2]

Glad you and your wife are ok and the asshole was not driving any faster. Did they arrest the piece of shit cocksucking drunk driver?

[ToliXD]

Ya, they got to ride in a police car with handcuffs.

[Colorado Luckydog]

I'm glad you guys are okay. I hope he goes to jail and more than that I hope he had good insurance. Oh, and remember, I sell Hondas!!!

[roberth]

The police only show up to record what the parties involved tell them. It IS important to get a police report, as it can help you determine who is closer to the truth when there are conflicting statements, but that is about the extent of the usefulness of the report. Just a record of observable facts of the accident, after the accident happened. Locations of vehicles, skid marks, damage on vehicles, etc. The police weren't there, so they don't know any more than the adjuster does. Plus, the police are only dealing with criminal issues. Insurance is a civil matter. I had many claims where people would say to me "Well the other guy got the ticket, so he must be at fault." or "Well the officer said the other person was at fault."

I have to explain to them that it doesn't really matter what the police said, as they don't get to decide the civil matter in this case. Asking a police officer for accident advice is about as much of a poop shoot as asking about gun laws. Police have a LOT of laws and regulations to be aware of and they really can't be experts on everything.

So, a police report can be a great thing to have, but it can also be completely meaningless. With that said, I fully agree that in ANY accident, it is always the best idea to call the police and try to get a police report. This will prevent people from completely denying involvement in an auto accident. It sounds ridiculous, but people do that all the time. Car accidents suck.


EDIT: I really hope I'm not coming across rude, as I'm not trying to be. It's just that the police aren't in charge of deciding fault in auto accidents. They write down what people tell them, record any facts that are available, and that's it.

Thank you for the clarification.

You are not rude, I was ignorant and now I am not so ignorant.

[rockhound]

the day after is always worse.

bruises just keep showing up after an accident.

[Irving]

People would get so angry when I would tell them that the police don't decide. I liked to use the example that the other driver could have been ticketed for not wearing a seat belt, and even though they received a ticket, it doesn't always mean that they are at fault.

Good luck with your body and your car ToliXD. From the little info you've provided, this sounds like a pretty open and shut case, so hopefully every thing goes smoothly. Give me a holler if you have any questions.

[ToliXD]

Thank you for all of the kind words and help offerings. We will see what the Doc has to say in the morning. I hope all of this turns out well.

[ChadAmberg]

Thank you for all of the kind words and help offerings. We will see what the Doc has to say in the morning. I hope all of this turns out well.

I was rear ended by a drunk driver that was actually stopped behind me, and let off the brakes, and hit me at about 5mph. Slow enough there was no damage at all to the car, but about 3 days later I'm begging my doctor for skelaxin to make the back spasms go away.

[rondog]

This is just stupid. Insurance fraud is the main reason why insurance rates are higher than they need to be.

Oh come on Stuart, lighten up! I was kidding for Christ's sake. But the man DOES need to talk to a good lawyer, injured or not. Even if the other driver is (hopefully) fully insured, it might take some squeezing to get a fair settlement.