Hit a Car While Backing Up

[dotKev]

I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong board, I'd just like some advice on what to do in this situation:

So it was completely my fault. I was at a stop sign waiting to make a left turn. I noticed some people to the right of my car waiting to cross, and I wanted to let them cross so I backed up about a foot and hit the car behind me (like an idiot, I didn't check my mirror). There was no visible damage on the car I hit, and there was no damage on mine besides a few small scratches.

The lady I hit said she was in a hurry and had to go, but I gave her my name and number if she wanted to discuss the accident further. I'm certainly no expert on any insurance policies or whatever, I'm only 16. What is the most she would be able to charge me, and is she likely to charge me at all for a scratch on her hood (if it's there)? Also, what is the best course of action I should take regarding insurance and such?

It's worth noting I have a New Jersey learner's permit, and was driving my Grandfather's Buick with him in the car (he didn't think it was a big deal).

Thank you so much!

[jk]

she could seek the value of whatever damages you caused. If that is nothing, then nothing. If it is $5k, then it is $5k.

Also, what is the best course of action I should take regarding insurance and such?

what did grandpa say about it?

[dotKev]

Thank you for the quick reply!

He never mentioned anything about insurance, but I am thinking it would be on the safe side to ask him to call his insurance company tomorrow to report the accident.

Is there anything that can be done on her part that can affect me getting my license or getting points or the like? I hope I'm overreacting but I'm worried.

Cheers.

[jk]

I am not familiar with NJ so I do not know if an at fault accident can prevent you from obtaining your license or if it would cause a suspension or revocation of your permit.


whether it can or can't really doesn't make any difference because there is nothing you can do to change what happened. No sense in worrying about something you can't change, even if it is a negative action.


as to calling the insurance. Kind of up to grandpa. Most insurance companies will refuse to cover an accident if it is not reported within a certain amount of time. I would find out what that time is for grandpa's insurance. Do you have the other drivers information? If so, I would find out what the time limit is for reporting an accident and rather than just reporting it, contact the other driver to find out if there is even a reason to report it to the insurance company. If she has enough damage that grandpa wants to get his insurance company involved, then you can report it. If no damage or a small enough amount that involving the insurance company would not be beneficial, I would wait.

[dotKev]

See that's a result of my idiocy, I gave her my number and name but didn't ask for hers, nor did I take pictures. Would you think it would be better to wait to see if she calls me to report damage to the car, or should I tell my Grandfather to file a claim right away?

Thanks again!

[jk]

hard to say. If there was seriously no damage, I wouldn't worry about it. If you think there was more damage than the deductible on grandpas insurance, I would report the accident.

and a scratch on a hood can easily run several hundred dollars to repair.

Ultimately, it's up to grandpa. what does he say about all of this?

[dotKev]

Right on. Thanks for your help, I'll be asking my Grandfather today on what he wants to do regarding the situation.