I was involved in a two car auto accident in the state of California. Police was not called to the scene. While driving on a two lane road the other driveway swerved his vehicle into my lane. Insurance and contact information was provided by both parties to each other, and the other driver wrote a statement stating he would pay for the damages he caused. While he was writing the statement I decided to take a picture of him writing the statement and him handing me the statement. We decided to go through insurance at the scene.
Fast forward to today the individual is not responding to his insurance and it seems that their insurance will deny coverage because they are not able to speak to their insured.
It seems that my only course of action would now be to file a small claim suit for the property damage. I do not have collision and only carry liability. My understanding is that I would sue the individual and if he is found guilty I would take the judgement to the individual and their insurance and their insurance would then be obligated to pay.
Is it his correct?
Now what I don't understand is what is the amount I should sue for? I got an estimate by myself which is around $5,000. The shop mentioned that the price the insurance usually pays is much less than a non insurance customer since there are different rates.
Would it be best to fix my car and then sue for the actual repair? Or Sue based on the estimate and request the reimbursement?
Thanks 🙏
Posted by Self_Discovry