Getting money from Private Party

[shasub21]

Hi All,

I am listing this on behalf of my brother who lives in Illinois. My brothers car which was parked in a parking lot (in his friends place) was hit by a lady who lives in the same building. This happened December 2004. Since she was in same building as his friend, this lady did not want to call insurance and said that she will settle the money privately. My brother promptly went to mechanic to get it totalled up for $1300. He also duly informed this lady about the cost and she said that she will give in couple of installments.

This lady now left the building without mentioning and has escaped without the making the payment. Due to an unexpected accident a couple of weeks back (my brother was not at fault again), his car was totalled up by insurance and he was paid $$ less the amount for the side damage that the lady did in Dec. 2004.

Is there anything my brother can do no (its 7months) to get the money? He is going to get letter from insurance that they had reduced the amount for the side damage that was present in the car before the current accident.

Could people in this site help me in letting me know of any procedure that they can find for me? I would greatly appreciate if someone can let me know whom to contact? (Police, Insurance etc??).

My brother's friend has some information about that ladies insurance etc. My brothers friend is also a witness for this incident.

Help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks a bunch,
Shankar

[aaron]

If your friend didn't file a police report at the time of the initial damage, he may wish to do so now. It's late, and the police may not be receptive, but if they do accept a report and seek the other person's side of events, they may track her down for your friend. Your friend's landlord, or the post office, may also have a forwarding address on file.

If she was insured, he may be able to make a claim through her insurance. He should also be able to make a claim through small claims court.

[shasub21]

Thanks Aaron. I will check on it being reported to police by my bro. Let me see how it goes. My worry mainly was that its been 7months now.

Will get back incase I get further questions on this.

Thanks