I had to avoid some damn Tahoe swerving into my lane completely to avoid getting clipped on a narrow road and my right side caught the guardrail. I got some estimates that it is looking about a grand to fix. I'm going to file a claim with the insurance company to get it taken care of, but just wondered what the whole process is. Take it to a reputable body shop first or file a claim and then take it? Also since I am the one that did the damage and not another car, will it be against me, or be taken as a claim rather than an accident? If anyone is around the Atlanta area, anyone know where the body work is done from the Infiniti dealerships?

Thanks. All your replies are appreciated.

 

I hope you got a police report or the other drivers license plate. Something or anything that can help prove your story. I believe insurance companies call that a phantom car. Basically there is no hard proof that another car was involved so it's just like you drove into the guardrail. Here is some info that might help you. http://www.settlementcentral.com/newsletter0608.htm
Good luck.

 

No I didn't get the licence plate number . Right after it happened, I just pulled over to look at the damage to my dismay.

 

You should still file a police report. Then once you have that you should call your insurance.

I was forced out of my lane by an 18-wheeler once in my old car and I ended up hitting a woman in her car. I think I was in the blind spot of the truck and he didn't see me or the driver just didn't care because he kept going. It happened so quick, I wasn't able to get his plate. We both pulled over to exchange info and we didn't feel the need to call the police since the damage was so minor. But when I called my insurance agency, it was as if I ramed into the woman on purpose. Without a police report or a witness, it's as if the truck wasn't even there.