Went out to the city tnight, got stuck in some snow while parking. In doing so, noticed a note on my windshield. It read:

Sorry, my # is: (phone number)

At this point, I flipped out and started scanning my car for dents, dings, scratches, anything, but didn't notice anything. It began to snow and it was very dark so couldn't give it a complete look. However, as I type, hopefully, this is just a cruel joke. Will find out tomm in the daylight.

rs

 

Maybe a girl saw you coming out of your car and couldnt resist....

 

I really hope this is the case. You don't want it to be something bad. =(

 

that'll get my attention...! hope your car's okay.

 

Well... I have a dent on the right back wheel base area, 4 scratches abt 6 inches long. I called the number that was on the windshield, turns out, she is a senior citizen. Seemed nice enough, gave me insurance info and wanted me to get an estimate so maybe she can pay cash. Guess i'll go to body shops tomm morning and try to get an estimate. If she can't afford it, i'll go through her insurance and have infiniti do it (lowers my cars value tho, because will show as accident).

Oh well.

Very upset. Will post pics of damages later.

rs

 

well, at least she's sorry and honest... Ive had so many people hit my car and
run off without any note.

Hope you get your car fixed soon.

 

Dude your lucky as hell!!! Make sure you tell her thank you for stopping

 

rs- your car's value won't be affected significantly, if at all. Her insurance company has the obligation to make full financial restitution, and make sure that your car's value + cash for diminished value = total value before the accident.

You'll be fine, no worries.

G

 

she offered to pay cash, as in nothing is recorded... but yeah man.. lol you are lucky! most people would've just left

 

Guys,

Quick question, I have her insurance information, but I just went out again (5th time) to look at my car, noticed a little chip of paint by the underbody next to the wheel base.. I think i'll tell her I rather go through the insurance because damage looks significant.

How long do I have before I can tell the insurance company? My dad knows a good body shop guy that he always goes to, so i'm going to head there tomm.

Do I need a police report for the insurance company? I mean, I have her information, policy #, plate #, etc. I need to go through her insurance company because mine has a $1000 deductible.

Any and all help greatly appreciated on procedures I should take. Thanks!

rs

Diamond Coupe, Kenchen, Klumzee: Yeah, I'm glad, and very luck that she stopped to leave a note at all. My car is really dirty from the snow etc, wouldnt have even noticed the damage until I got a car wash. The first thing I told her when I called was thank you for stopping. Ahhh, still upset though.

 

NO worries. Just go get an appraisal or two on the damage right away and then make your decision. Make sure the appraisel is very thorough as if there is a cash payment you won't be able to fight with insurance company about some other hidden damage not immediately found but that sounds unlikely with your minor scrapes etc. As long as you do that on the first available day you would still have the option to say that you would like to have it recorded as an accident and report to the insurance company. However, reporting it to insurance wouldn't really have any benefit to you versus just getting cash from her for repairs unless you were worried she won't come through with the money or think there might be some extra benefit to having the damage to your car recorded somewhere. Since she was good enough to leave the note you should try and work with her. It's actually her obligation to report the accident to the police if it is estimated to be over a certain dollar amount- whatever that is in your city or state.

 

How significant is the damage? It is "Aaahhh, it's my coupe!!" significant, or is it "Wow, this looks like it'll need a LOT of body work" significant? We tend to see things under a magnifying glass when it's the first mistreatment of our babies. If it's four 6-inch scratches, I don't think that'll be significant, but it depends WHERE on the wheel well they are. Front, back, top? Bumper? Quarterpanel?

G

 

Things happen bro, I know it's not nice when they do, but when someone steps up and says they messed up, you're lucky. There are many nowadays who just leave the scene.

I hope for your sake that there is no, or very little, damage, but whatever it is, you've got the person's # to pay for repairs.

G/L with your followup inspection.

 

rs- significant damage or not, you should still get the estimate first from your
bodyshop and share it with the lady. She might be able to give you a cashier's
check or credit card to pay for it and it might be easier than having
the insurance companies battle this out amonst themselves before you
even get a check. Also, you'll have to pay comprehensive damage
deductible out of your pockets if you have a deductible.

It's good to have a police report, but since you're no longer at the
scene and time has already passed somewhat it might not make a difference.
Police reports are useful when you get rearended or something while you
are driving. then the person that hit you can not come back and report
to the police later that you backed into her/him or what not.

Anyway, hope things work out for you. I've gotten hit in parking lots
so many times I think I know how you feel. its real frustrating and you
want the car fixed NOW! Goodluck man.

 

I tried to take pics this afternoon, but kept getting a reflection myself rather then the damage. After cleaning it up, there is a plam sized dent over the right rear wheel. To the right of that, white paint chip dots... long white scratches, and a an inch sized paint chip above the side skirt. I touched the chip, and it began to peel off. The dent is pretty noticable.

I am not familiar with how to assess the cost of the damage, i'll fill you guys in when I go to some body shops tommorow.

Thanks for all your help, greatly appreciated.

rs