u/Such-Brief-4069

Need advice: Other driver’s insurance denied my claim saying I made an unsafe lane change. Should I go through my own insurance with a $1,500 deductible?

Accident happened in California on April 23 around 7:55 AM in stop-and-go rush hour traffic on the 405.

My on-ramp lane was ending, turning into an exit only lane, so I had to merge. The other driver rear-ended me after I merged, but his insurance is denying liability and claiming it was an unsafe lane change.

Here’s what my dash cam shows:
- Video starts with me already finishing my merge
- I’m fully in the lane for about 5 seconds before impact
- First contact happens around the 0:05 mark
- Contact continues until around 0:16 (so about 10+ seconds of sustained contact/pushing)
- Despite being pushed, I never hit the car in front of me

Damage to my car:
- Rear left bumper cracked
- Left tail light cracked near trunk area
- No side damage at all

Other important details:
- This was stop-and-go traffic, so nobody was going fast
- Claims manager initially told me they denied liability after only reviewing dash cam footage and had NOT reviewed my damage photos
- After I disputed it and asked for reconsideration, they still upheld the denial and told me to go through my own insurance if I want subrogation/arbitration

I drive a 2019 Chevy Volt and my deductible is $1,500 through Progressive.

My question is: with a deductible this high, would you go through your own insurance and let them fight it, or just pay out of pocket / keep pushing the other insurance?

Also, has anyone had success overturning an “unsafe lane change” denial with dash cam footage?

I recently accepted an offer for a remote social media/producer role with a large digital publisher. The role is fully remote and non-driving/corporate (social content, video, etc.). I’m now going through the background check process, and I’m a little anxious because I have a recent misdemeanor DUI conviction that will likely show up. The arrest was in late 2024, conviction was in March of 2025, and I’ve completed all fines/court obligations and plan to pursue expungement once eligible. This role has nothing to do with driving, operating vehicles, or anything safety-related, which makes me hopeful it won’t be an issue, but the recency is what makes me nervous. I also know background checks have been taking longer in CA, so I want to give my current employer 2 weeks notice, but I’m worried to do it prematurely if there’s a chance this may be an issue.

Has anyone here passed a background check for a non-driving corporate/media role with a similar record? Did it come up for review, and if so, how did you address it with HR/background check teams? Should I disclose to the recruiter since I’ve just submitted the background check or wait to see if they flag it?

Trying not to overthink it, but would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar experience. Thanks!