Hummer 1, Motorcycle 0

[evldave]

Well, got rear-ended by a motorcycle last night. Had to stop for traffic and he wasn't paying attention. He bounced off my passenger rear fender and went down in the lane next to us. Luckily, no one ran him over.

He was driving a very nice BMW, scraped up pretty good, broke my fender off and bent a piece of plastic trim. He was ok, some scrapes and bruises.

So now he wants to avoid insurance and pay the $500 or so for the repair out of pocket. I've been screwed on this before, but realistically it keeps it off both our records. He was totally cool, apologized, is willing to give me $500 cash in earnest money and is willing for me to go to any shop I choose. Any thoughts on the subject?

[marin8703]

well first of all make sure you have an accident report done whether you file an insurance claim or not, or if not that, some other proof that the accident occured. and since he is cool with going to any shop you want, pick a good reputable shop and ask him to pay you the estimate value that the shop gives before work actually starts, otherwise he may change his mind once work starts, donno if it makes a difference but i wouldnt have him in contact with the shop at all, just show him the stimate. This would be better than going through insurane since they will make you got where they want and their shops arent always the best.

[TANDREW]

Hey it's not your fault and it shouldn't affect your insurance. Looks like there's more than $500 damage to me, now adays it's expensive for any repairs.

[NewHummerGuy]

Originally Posted by evldave

Well, got rear-ended by a motorcycle last night. Had to stop for traffic and he wasn't paying attention. He bounced off my passenger rear fender and went down in the lane next to us. Luckily, no one ran him over.

He was driving a very nice BMW, scraped up pretty good, broke my fender off and bent a piece of plastic trim. He was ok, some scrapes and bruises.

So now he wants to avoid insurance and pay the $500 or so for the repair out of pocket. I've been screwed on this before, but realistically it keeps it off both our records. He was totally cool, apologized, is willing to give me $500 cash in earnest money and is willing for me to go to any shop I choose. Any thoughts on the subject?

Looking at those pics I would have to guess cost of a quality like new repair is gonna exceed 500 bucks. I am thinking more of 1000+. Just my thoughts.

[Mr_Pat]

Screw him, he is not your friend, do it the right way File a report, call insurance etc... The only one who can get f'ed over in the long one is you for being a nice guy.

Remember nice guys finish last.

[wannabeH3]

you need to get a police report, at the least. but the fact is if you havent done it yet, then it may be too late and the guy can probably do whatever he wants.

[Hummer Guy]

It looks like it'd be a little over $500 -- maybe in the 6-700 range. That's if all it needs is a new fender, paint the fender, and that back corner plastic piece. If there's more damage on the body outside the fender or more on the rear bumper it'd probably be more.

[H3.007]

I am not an expert body repair tech, but I had a comparable amount of damage done to my front end and the expense was around $1,400.

[timgco]

Your over 1K easily for that! Keep his motorcycle until the repairs are paid for in full.

Bummer, could easily be $1000+ in repairs.

[dеiтайожни]

Don't you watch the People's Court?!

[HummerHippy]

I'm guessing he didn't want to go to jail for driving w/o a license.
I'd avoid it all and do it the right way, thru ins. Cover your tracks.
Or $2000 cash. Take it or leave it.

[ChiHummer3]

Ouch! That's some good damage from a bike!

Hopefully you got a police report. I agree with the previous posts - the only one who can get screwed in this is you. Hopefully the guy won't turn into a jerk and he'll come through on his promise to get things taken care of.

Looks like way more than $500 damage though. I'd get an estimate immediately and make him give you the money up front. If he starts giving you stories about giving you the money next week when he gets paid, call the insurance company ASAP!

[evldave]

As an fyi, not visible in the pics, the rear flare is held in place w/snap-clips. The flare itself is only slightly dented, but it popped out the clips, making the flare hang out (it looks better now, I put one clip back in). It looks like just two pieces need to be replaced, the flare and the rear plastic fender attachment piece (?).

Sent pics to a local repair shop, $482. Called the dealer they said about $500 for the flare and rear corner. I meet w/the guy after work today, he's giving me $500 + a written statement of his fault & liability. I told him that works for me, but I'll file a police report and insurance claim if he tries to screw me (I have 72 hrs for the police report and it's only required for >$1500 damage).

I'd prefer to not deal w/the insurance too (I HATE insurance companies), so as long as he's up front w/the written statement I'm ok (I have a notary friend, I might bring her along too). I can always come back to the insurance company later if he tries to screw me. We'll see if he comes through this afternoon as he says he will

[H3less]

Be very aware, I was a nice guy a couple of months ago and thought I was pretty high on the estimate, even called a buddy with a dealership to get the cost. After all was said and done it cost me more than we agreed upon, not much but enough to piss me off a little. On the other hand I was grateful that he found me and was honest about backing in to me so I really can't complain.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

trust me on this

1. police report, yes now today stop reading and file it now

2. File a claim NOW against HIS insurance(have the police report before calling any insurance, report it to your insurance AFTER you get the police report

He had very minor injuries (DON'T BE A DOPE) minor now, no police report, what happens in 3 hours when he claims YOU backed into him

SORRY I TALK FROM EXPERIENCE

DO IT NOW !!!!!!

A lot of blue ink and overreaction. I think EvilDave is handling it well.

[Crash ?]

Copy all info off his DL, get the tag number and the VIN off the bike if you can.. Get pictures of his bike, get pictures of him..

Chances are if he's riding a new BMW, he's on the up and up though.. I've been riding for going on 25 years and I have found very few bikers/motorcyclists/riders that ride a bike that costs in excess of $15000 that will screw ya over intentionally..

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

A lot of blue ink and overreaction. I think EvilDave is handling it well.

Never been SUED by a LIER I see...

TRY IT...

You won't like it

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Crash ?

Copy all info off his DL, get the tag number and the VIN off the bike if you can.. Get pictures of his bike, get pictures of him..

Chances are if he's riding a new BMW, he's on the up and up though.. I've been riding for going on 25 years and I have found very few bikers/motorcyclists/riders that ride a bike that costs in excess of $15000 that will screw ya over intentionally..

But not 100 %, RIGHT !!!