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Staged Accident
Friday night, I was in heavy traffic on the expressway. It was pretty late... about 12:30am, coming home from dinner (alone). Alert, the roads were dry, etc., but there was an accident or something up ahead...you could see flashing lights etc. by the side of the road.
We started moving a bit and a car pulled in front of me without enough room and came to an abrupt/complete stop. I hit his car at about 10mph. Since it was obviously nothing more that a glorified "tap" and I could see no damage to his car, I assumed that we would both shrug it off and drive away.
He gets out of his car and immediately begin holding his neck, screaming and yelling - very violent and intimidating. He walks around to the passenger side of his car and says to the passenger: "your neck hurts too, right?" You would not believe the drama.
We pull over and he asks how much money I had and "threatened" to call the police. He was supposedly on the phone with the police, but they never showed up. I suggested that if he really wanted the police, we could both drive up to this other accident scene, maybe a quarter mile ahead, but when a tow truck pulled up behind us (but I think it was intended for the other accident), he says to his passenger... who is now standing next to my car with his hands IN my car... "get some money from him and let's get out of here. Sadly, I gave him $54.
He refused to offer any of his information, but demanded mine. I gave him my cell phone accurately (not thinking straight... in a panic at this point), but made up my name, policy number and address. He said "I better take care of him tomorrow when he calls." I was so FREAKED OUT by his behavior... can't believe this lunatic has my cell phone number!
I immediately went home and called my insurance company. They took a report, but basically told me to forget about it. It's now 3 days later and he is still calling. I have not answered the phone, but I saved 2 messages where he suggested that we "settle this without getting the police involved" - and apologized for "talking on the phone" while we were pulled over (I don't really get that part).
This morning, I reported the accident to the police and advised of his continued calls. There was no damage to either car. I may have scratched his bumper, but trust me... his hoopty had other scratches. He left the scene before any police arrived (not sure if he even called)
Should I stop obsessing... take his next call... wait and see?
What the hell??! :(
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Staged Car Accident
It was wise of you to notify the police.
Do you have caller ID on your cell phone? If you know who he is, or the number he is using, keep track of that information.
I think your insurance agent is correct.
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With some telephone service providers you can also block specific numbers. Call your local phone company and ask if this service is available. Don't yield to the harrassment. If need be, change your phone number and notify all the people who do need to know it of the change.
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Definitely a smart move to finally report tne incident to the police and about your harasser the next time he called tell him that you have already reported the incident to the police and if ever he has any complain tell him to report it also so that everything will be on the record and if ever there would be some claims then it would be much easier for you two to get the necessary police report needed to file for an insurance claim.
On a second thought, I don't think the other party will report the incident I think he just wants to ask you for some money so be very careful.
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By the "expressway" I wonder if you mean the LIE, which would be very appropriate in this case.
Stop obsessing, it was a fake accident. You'll never hear from that guy again. If he does call again, tell him you need to meet him and then call the cops. Blackmail is a crime in NY, and so is insurance fraud.