Parking Lot Accident

**catgarci** · 07-20-2011, 09:39 AM

Opinions on whether or not to file for arbitration, get an attorney etc. on my claim would be greatly appreciated!

I was in a recent parking lot accident where I was parked, leg out of vehicle, keys, purse and bag in hand, getting out of my vehicle when out of no where my door was hit by a person coming into the parking spot next to me.

It went under investigation. My door was impacted onto my fender and the front corner was bent outwards. Her car was hit right behind the front passenger side tire, dented inwards and scraped to the door. I was denied and now i need to know what i should do. Should I file for arbitration? I'm afraid if I do, the will find me at fault as well.

What do you think?

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-21-2011, 07:53 AM

You were found to be at fault by whom? The police? Your insurance company? The other driver's insurance company? On what basis?

You are talking about filing for arbitration against your own insurance company?

**catgarci** · 07-21-2011, 08:12 AM

I was found at fault after investigation by the insurance company of the girl that hit me. So i have been told by friends and family to either file for arbitration, or get an attorney.

I just wanted to general consensus on what someone in this forum would think?

Oh and the basis I was found on fault by was that there the damage to my door and her car makes show that she was already in the parking spot. They said that there should have been more damage to the front of my door (where it latches) and to the front of her car, not behind the front passenger side tire. :/

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-21-2011, 08:23 AM

Why do your friends think you have to file for arbitration?

If you have coverage through your own insurance, consider making a claim for that coverage through your own insurance and letting them attempt to subrogate against the other driver's insurance.

You haven't told us how much repairs will cost, nor did you follow the instruction to identify your state, but if you feel you can prove that this is the other driver's fault you should have the option of trying to sue her in small claims court.

**catgarci** · 07-21-2011, 08:28 AM

I'm sorry, This happened in the state of Texas.

I only have liability, and the estimate of the damage repair to my jeep door is $982.18. I was given the option by the other insurance company to file for arbitration so as I talk with those I know, they say to do so. I have also gotten the advice to have a lawyer write a letter to the insurance company. However, I don't know why. I'm just lost in all this. I appreciate your advice. Thank You.