Anyone know of a reliable and affordable bodyshop in the Glendale or Pasadena area?

Long story short I was on a 3 lane road in the far left lane. My lane had stopped so I put on my turning signal and merged into the right lane (1st looking over my shoulder to make sure it was clear). By the time I got into the lane the lady that was in the far right lane had merged into the same lane I was merging into. It will be hard to prove who's fault this accident is and since the damage on my car is definetly under $1000 this will be coming out of my pocket. I am so strapped for cash right now. There is about an 8" wide dent on my right front quarter panel and scrapping on the front bumper. Sorry no pics, just got into work. Her car has even less damage.

I have a feeling she will want me to pay for her damages but she also said that we don't need to go through insurance companies. All I know is that the lane was open when I merged into it and the next second she was there.

We were both anxious to get to work so we exchanged info quick and no one really admitted fault. Any advice on whether I should involve my insurance co?

Thanks for any input.

 

why wouldnt you just go through the insurance unless she knew it was her fault or she didnt have any. screw her, go through the insurance thats why you pay each month

 

The reason I'm considering not going through insurance is because the damage is below my $1000 deductable and it will be very difficult to place fault so I can't see either insurance company handing out checks. The only thing that I can see coming from this is a point against me on my DMV record if I report this to ins.

 

First of all, you won't get point on license if there were not any tickets given.

If you think she was at fault, you should gotten her insurance info (I hope you did) and call her insurance company only, don't call yours since your damage is less than 1k (1k deductible).

If she claims you at fault, then she would probably call your insurance company, your insurance company will call you to make sure what she says is correct. You can deny it, and let the insurance companies handle the rest.

 

The determination of fault lays on the area of impact. Since the area of impact for your vehicle is located in the front quarter panel and bumper, I can only assume hers is the same. If indeed I am correct, the insurance company will be scratching their heads and their finding may be inconclusive. If the other party's area of impact is located toward the rear of the vehicle, most likely it'll be your fault.

Nonetheless...if you think the total cost is under $1k, I'd say screw it and pay out of your own pocket. Wouldn't want any negative remarks on my carfax report for something so small. Depreciation value will be so much more in the end. Post in the socal section, you'll get more response.

 

pics pleese

 

i work for an insurance broker and if i where you if she was at fault ide report it to her inurance they will pay you and your insurance wont go up.

 

If I get this right (not knowing the position of either of the cars in relation to eachother) you merged right and she merged left. Assuming you're both identically side by side: If I'm remembering what some of my copper friends have told me, the person merging RIGHT (you) usually has the right of way because visibility issues. The person merging left has a better chance to look left out of their immediate window.

In my opinion, I'd have filed a police report. No telling how that woman's story is going to change now.