Well it finally happen..... Poor Car

Yes sadly I got in a car accident. I was waiting at a red light to make a left turn and I looked in my rear view mirror and I saw this van coming up behind me really fast. And then she hit me. She hit me pretty hard. Not hard enough to release my airbags but to make a loud bang and scrape up my bumper a little.

Now I called up my insurance company, made the claim gave the driver at Fault number and what not. We are both under GEICO and making the claim was painless. Now hopefully she won't try to lie.

Now my question my license plate and my bumper were scrapped very little. What other damage could someone do to a car from behind? Mess up the frame? I’m not familiar with cars. I have an appointment to have my car checked out next week.

Another question would my insurance go up, as I am not at fault? It shouldn’t!

[Epidemic]

I believe that it will. Simply because you move up on an actuary table as being in dangerous situations.

That could be rumor but I have heard it before.

[M_Six]

Auto insurance is almost always regulated by the state. Not sure what the laws are in your area, but I wouldn't think your rates would go up. In Massachusetts, any driver who rear-ends someone is at fault, unless they can prove the vehicle in front had faulty brakelights.

Rear-end collisions can damage fuel tanks, exhaust systems, and wiring. That damage is often not easily visible.

[vass0922]

how fast was she going? The frame should be able to withstand a fair hit, especially coming from the year. Make sure your trunk can open and close without any creaking.. if it hit any actual body panels make sure doors can open and close easily without any rubbing as it could jar a body panel.. if it hit squarely on the bumper its designed to absorb some of the shock so hopefully the rest of the car won't be damaged too much..

I take it you're ok GZ?

yah im fine, she hit me dead on the center of the bumper. i will check out the trunk tonight. thanks guys.

[osprey4]

A reputable body shop will go over, and under, things very carefully. They're used to looking for hidden damage after what appear to be minor accidents.

There is no way your rates should go up, unless you were driving somewhere you shouldn't be (like driving to work in a "pleasure driving only" vehicle). If they do, make a fuss.

By the way, you'll really get off scott free if she was talking on a cell phone. I've heard of situations where the innocent party in an accident was partially blamed just because she was talking on a cell phone.

[daveleau]

My biggest worry would be for how you feel tomorrow. Usually the day after an accident, the pain begins if it is going to happen. I hope you have no problems.

It shouldn't send you rates higher unless she is uninsured, but you said that she is with your insurance company, so that is not a problem.

hrm so if i do start getting pains, what then? i really don't feel like sueing unless its very serious

but if i have shoulder pain or neck pain what then?

[daveleau]

I'd go get checked out and then send the bills to the insurance company. Neck pain would be the worst worry.

While chiropractors get a bad rap for often claiming they can cure all ills, they do serve a great purpose if a person gets whiplash or other spinal allignment ailments.

[skuz]

It should be the same in the US: when you're hit from behind, you're not responsible, It was the hitter that either wasn't looking or didn't keep a safe distance between vehicles.

Hidden damage sucks. After my deer accident in 97, my car's front was rebuilt, but since then it's been slightly leaning to the left.

Did your head hit the seat or did it go over the seat's head rest (what's the word for this ?) and bent back?