Have you been being rear ended? How was the aftermath for you?

[OceanAnnie]

Sigh. It happened to me. Pretty straightforward. No question of fault, or liability. Those issues are settled. Can't go into more than that. I am concerned that the insurance company needs my SS#. It was explained, I understand. I'm not comfortable with it, but it looks like that's the way it is.

Could you share your experience?

 

[eliza61]

I was rear ended at a bus stop. I stopped for a school bus, the girl behind me did not. I was driving a toyota corollas station wagon. No problems with insurance, in fact her insurance company (state farm) was very accomadating. My car was 10 years old so they would not repair it. I complained because even with what they were offering as the book value, it would have meant that I would have a car note. State farm came back with an offering 3X's the book value. which allowed me to purchase a good used vehicle.

no other issues. I always say that my car prevented her from slamming into the kids getting off the school bus.

I did laugh because when the cop gave her and ticket and told her it was her fault, she said "how come"?

 

[C.Ann]

First of all, I'm glad that you weren't seriously injured!!

As for your SS# - the only person I had to give info to was my own insurance company - not the insurer of the person who rear-ended me.. Is that what you meant?

 

[OceanAnnie]

I was rear ended at a bus stop. I stopped for a school bus, the girl behind me did not. I was driving a toyota corollas station wagon. No problems with insurance, in fact her insurance company (state farm) was very accomadating. My car was 10 years old so they would not repair it. I complained because even with what they were offering as the book value, it would have meant that I would have a car note. State farm came back with an offering 3X's the book value. which allowed me to purchase a good used vehicle.

no other issues. I always say that my car prevented her from slamming into the kids getting off the school bus.

I did laugh because when the cop gave her and ticket and told her it was her fault, she said "how come"?

Wow. Were you hurt? Hope not.

Nice to hear the insurance company was accommodating! Do you know if your offer was a "standard one" for a loss? There are several factors that have me concerned that ours might be a loss as well.

I'll have to check back later.

Thanks.

 

[OceanAnnie]

First of all, I'm glad that you weren't seriously injured!!

As for your SS# - the only person I had to give info to was my own insurance company - not the insurer of the person who rear-ended me.. Is that what you meant?

Hi C.Ann. Thanks.

Unfortunately, no. There is a new law "medicare/tax purposes" that means I have to give my SS# to the other party's insurance company. I'm not thrilled with that idea.

 

[liamsaunt]

I was rear ended by a drunk driver. He hit the car hard enough that it got pushed off the road. I was OK other than some bruising and a stiff neck, but the car ended up being totalled. My insurance paid off the remaining loan, but I only got about $300 on top of that. Luckily I was living in the city by then and didn't need to buy another car--if I had needed one that could have made for a difficult situation.

I hope everything works out OK for you.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I was, but I wasn't hurt, and I didn't want to claim it on my insurance (Michigan is No-Fault, so we NEVER deal with the other insurer).

I would NEVER give the other company my information, as in your situation. Tell them to call your insurance company.

 

[eliza61]

First of all, I'm glad that you weren't seriously injured!!

As for your SS# - the only person I had to give info to was my own insurance company - not the insurer of the person who rear-ended me.. Is that what you meant?

The only information I remember giving up was my DL # and my insurance policy #. This was about 10 years ago so I wouldn't be surprised if State farm got my ss# from my insurance agent (allstate). this was probably before identity theft really became rampant.

I really was impressed with State farm, they contacted me twice. once when I balked about the buyoff offer and then the 2nd time they called to give me a case number in the event I had any lingering medical issues, which thankfully I didn't.

 

[allison443]

Hi C.Ann. Thanks.

Unfortunately, no. There is a new law "medicare/tax purposes" that means I have to give my SS# to the other party's insurance company. I'm not thrilled with that idea.

I'm not familiar with the law, but if it's legitimate, I guess you have to give the number if you want the check. Are you looking for someone to tell you how to fight it?

I wouldn't be surprised if is is partly a fraud-prevention measure.

Hope everything gets resolved for you soon.

 

[camreesmom]

Yes, and it was horrible. The truck that rear ended us was going so fast that my Suburban rolled 2 1/2 times. That was more than 4 years ago and I'm still a basket case in the car sometimes. There was no question about who's fault it was but the lawsuit that followed took FOREVER! There were 4 of my co-workers in the car with me going to lunch. Two girls managed to escape with just scratches but 3 of us were hurt and went to the hospital by ambulance. I just thank God that no one was killed.

 

[C.Ann]

Hi C.Ann. Thanks.

Unfortunately, no. There is a new law "medicare/tax purposes" that means I have to give my SS# to the other party's insurance company. I'm not thrilled with that idea.

Really? Is that just a state law where you are? I know it used to be (at least up until a few years ago when my DD ended up disabled after being rear-ended) that you never had to talk to the other insurance company - even if there were no injuries invovled..

I guess I better check and see what our laws are now - not that I'm planning on having an accident!

What a headache.. Hope everything works out okay - but the most important part is that the car can be replaced - you couldn't..

 

[tinatark]

There's an insurance claims reporting database, much like a credit reporting agency - maybe that's why they need your SS#.

Is your car totaled? If not, you can ask for "diminished value" payment - the difference between your car's value in excellent condition and repaired condition.

We were in an accident in my son's car recently - the second party accepted full responsibility almost immediately, and his car was totaled - the other insurance company (USAA) used a bogus- value guide in their payment to me. I went to my company (Farm Bureau) for payment, they paid full NADA value, then subrogated (SP?) the claim to USAA, who then paid them. It was SO much easier to deal with my own company, rather than the at fault party's insurance. We did not have to disclose either SS# for the claim payout.

 

[asta]

I have been in rear end auto accidents twice. Both times I was hit while sitting still and both times by teen age males (there is a reason why their insurance rates are so high). The first accident a 17 year old hit our car while we were stopped at a red light and the impact was hard enough to cause a five vehicle chain reaction. When I got out of my car to get his information, he jumped back in his car and fled the scene. He was caught because a bystander knew who he was and gave us his name.

The second time a 18 year old male on a cell phone hit me while I was stopped to make a left hand turn. He hit me so hard that my car was knocked into the air and and its underbody was hooked on a towing hook on his front bumper. He was driving one of those big old Range Rovers and it took two hours and two tow trucks to separate the cars. I was driving a brand new car that was less than two weeks old. His insurance company was Travelers and they tried to deny paying the damage claim by blaming the damages on the towing company. It didn't work but I was put through a lot of torment by them.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and perspectives. It helps. This thing has been a major headache.

Really? Is that just a state law where you are? I know it used to be (at least up until a few years ago when my DD ended up disabled after being rear-ended) that you never had to talk to the other insurance company - even if there were no injuries invovled..

I guess I better check and see what our laws are now - not that I'm planning on having an accident!

What a headache.. Hope everything works out okay - but the most important part is that the car can be replaced - you couldn't..

The requirement involving the SS # is national, so I was told.

There's an insurance claims reporting database, much like a credit reporting agency - maybe that's why they need your SS#.

Is your car totaled? If not, you can ask for "diminished value" payment - the difference between your car's value in excellent condition and repaired condition.

We were in an accident in my son's car recently - the second party accepted full responsibility almost immediately, and his car was totaled - the other insurance company (USAA) used a bogus- value guide in their payment to me. I went to my company (Farm Bureau) for payment, they paid full NADA value, then subrogated (SP?) the claim to USAA, who then paid them. It was SO much easier to deal with my own company, rather than the at fault party's insurance. We did not have to disclose either SS# for the claim payout.

Yes. I did do some research and I saw where having the SS # is a big bonus as far as the databases go.

But it was explained to me that the social was needed to ensure a person doesn't have medicare and it is a requirement. I did some calls and found out it is true.

The force in which we were hit was tremendously jarring. We were sitting still and the person was going the speed limit, no brakes. I have a burning, knot in my back. I've been taking an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. I'd like to have some tests soon to rule out anything worse. I hope it's nothing more serious and it will quickly heal.

I don't know if the vehicle is totaled. If not, it's close. I'll find out soon. I didn't know about the diminished value payment. Thank you for passing that along.

I haven't contacted my insurance company yet. I guess I should call them and ask them a few questions.

Thanks again.

 

[allison443]

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and perspectives. It helps. This thing has been a major headache.



The requirement involving the SS # is national, so I was told.



Yes. I did do some research and I saw where having the SS # is a big bonus as far as the databases go.

But it was explained to me that the social was needed to ensure a person doesn't have medicare and it is a requirement. I did some calls and found out it is true.

The force in which we were hit was tremendously jarring. We were sitting still and the person was going the speed limit, no brakes. I have a burning, knot in my back. I've been taking an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. I'd like to have some tests soon to rule out anything worse. I hope it's nothing more serious and it will quickly heal.

I don't know if the vehicle is totaled. If not, it's close. I'll find out soon. I didn't know about the diminished value payment. Thank you for passing that along.

I haven't contacted my insurance company yet. I guess I should call them and ask them a few questions.

Thanks again.

I looked it up because I hadn't heard of this, it seems it was signed into law in 2007 by President Bush. It sounds like medicare might have a lien on any settlement for any medical bills medicare paid due to the accident.

I understand not giving your ss # out randomly, but this seems like regulations require it and not giving it would be a deal breaker. Most major insurance companies have privacy policies in place to deal with this. The majority of the time those should work.

I don't think you should be talking about settling at this point until the extent of your injuries have been determined. Good luck.

 

[kirstenb1]

Yes, I was, nearly 20 yrs ago. Thank goodness, no lasting back damage. It's tricky, because back injuries can resurface later. I'm sorry.

 

[FergieTCat]

In 1984, my friend (with me in the passenger's seat) was at a full stop and rear-ended by a small truck, hard enough to push her trunk into the back seat! Luckily, neither one of us was thrown through the windshield, but I did have whiplash (neck cuff and all). My back and shoulders still ache whenever it rains.

As it were, I was told I was lucky I wasn't wearing a seatbelt or I would have suffered pelvic damage. Now, I do wear my seatbelt and harness whenever I'm in a car.

 

[C.Ann]

The force in which we were hit was tremendously jarring. We were sitting still and the person was going the speed limit, no brakes. I have a burning, knot in my back. I've been taking an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. I'd like to have some tests soon to rule out anything worse. I hope it's nothing more serious and it will quickly heal..

Ouch!! I agree - don't settle on anything until you've been checked out thoroughly..

How are you feeling today? Better, I hope..

 

[Robinrs]

I'm so sorry to hear this... I had two also.

The first was right after I got my license and I was in my first car, a Toyota Cressida. I was stopped behind a guy turning left and a man in a Cadillac rammed into me. My car was totalled and I had back and neck problems for years.

The second time I was stopped on the expressway in heavy traffic when I looked up and saw a Ryder truck coming right at me in my rear view window. The guy driving looked like he was riding a bike, he was moving his feet so much. Turns out the brakes were faulty, he rammed into me and we all rammed the 4 cars ahead of me. This time I had to have shoulder surgery.

I hope you come out of this fine!

 

[RUDisney]

The advice to not settle until you know the extent of your injuries is good advice.

My SIL was rear-ended a few years ago. She settled the entire claim and then needed back surgery and still has chronic pain. She wishes that she listened to me and hired an attorney from the start.

While not settling the entire claim means that you are not finalizing any medical issues. It does not mean that you won't get restitution to repair or replace your car.

I was hit over 4 years ago and I received payment for my van but we still haven't settled the medical claim yet. Even after 4 years, new things keep popping up that are related to the original injury.