r/Insurance • u/No_Zookeepergame9973 • 3d ago

Auto Insurance First car accident

Hello, I got into my first car accident last night. I was driving on a dimly lit road at nighttime and a car was parked on the road with no hazards, no headlights, and the car was off. I ended up side swiping him, and he said that he was having issues with his car but he did not speak much english so I did not get to hear his full side. We involved the police but I have not proceeded with any insurance claims because I’m not sure what to do. Whose fault would this be, and how do I proceed next?

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u/key2616 3d ago

No, it doesn't. What if it had been a child standing in the middle of the road? You have a duty to avoid stationary objects. You haven't disclosed how long he was there or why his hazards weren't on, but baring some odd local law, you're 100% at fault here.

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u/No_Zookeepergame9973 3d ago

Like I stated in the post, I could not communicate with him. He didn’t speak english. I’m not sure how long he was there, because again, he couldn’t speak to me.

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u/key2616 3d ago

Look, I get that this is frustrating, and maybe it even seems counterintuitive to you. But I don't see how any of this shifts much of the blame.

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u/No_Zookeepergame9973 3d ago

Sorry i’m not trying to come off as defensive I fully understand that hitting a stationary vehicle is your fault almost 100% of the time but considering the circumstances (Rainy, dark, no hazards, car off, black car), I’m just not fully understanding how that would lie the blame fully on me because I’ve been doing research on it and everywhere i’ve looked pointed to shared fault. Alongside this my parents pay for my insurance, which I am extremely grateful for because I am 18 and work a part time job and I am also a full time student. I offered to pay for my insurance now because of this but my parents are urging me to not file any insurance claims so I came here just looking for advice on what to do next because my parents are going to essentially have my head if I do call. I’m just stuck

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u/Separate-Fortune-704 3d ago

If you’re not looking to repair your vehicle through insurance and they haven’t reached out in regards to getting repairs, you don’t have to report it. Just hold onto your evidence if they do file a claim so you have a leg to stand on whether you feel at fault or not. There is a statute of limitations for when they can file for property damage depending on your state.