I was leaving work and got to a roundabout in the right lane. I almost entered but stopped to let a car already in the roundabout go. When I did enter, a car from the left lane came in just before me and cut me off to make the first exit. He hit the back of his car on the front of mine. It was a slow crash. The sign before the roundabout said the left lane couldn’t take the first exit. After we stopped, I told him I wasn’t too worried since it was just a scuff on my bumper. He said he didn’t want to call the police because he didn’t like them. It was a lease car through his work, and they made him file a claim because of their policy. I gave him my number but didn’t admit fault, and no police report was made. My car isn’t great, so I wasn’t too bothered.
A few months later, I’ve gotten two letters from his insurance saying I owe them $8,000. They want me to contact my insurance to sort it out. They don’t even know if I caused the wreck. Should I ignore the letters or get in touch with my insurance? No lawsuit yet, just threats. Any advice is appreciated!
Posting a photo of the roundabout and the sign from Google Maps might help. It could be word vs word or a shared fault.
Tip: Send the letters to your insurance so they can handle it. They’ll investigate and take your side if it’s just word vs word. It might even go to arbitration, but neither side seems to have much proof.
@Jones If they are still pressing for payment without much evidence, it’s probably because they’re hoping you’ll settle quickly. But if you don’t involve your insurance, they could come after you directly. Better to let your insurer handle it.
Your insurance likely requires you to report accidents. If you don’t, they can’t defend you. They’ll also provide legal help if you get sued. Contact your insurance now.
Your first mistake was not getting a police report. Your second was not having a dash cam. The other driver will say he was in the roundabout first, and you hit him. You don’t have much of a defense. Call your insurance now.
@EquityElaine You don’t need “a defense.” The insurance companies will investigate. The damage will likely show the positions of the cars and that OP had the right of way. The insurance will handle it.
@Alex I have a roundabout near me like that. Inside lane can’t take the first exit, but can take the second. Outside lane can take the first and second.
I learned this lesson after my first accident. The other guy was at fault, but didn’t want to call the police, and I went along with it. If you’re not at fault, it’s best to involve the police.