r/caraccidents

I was driving home the other night (to preface- NOT IMPAIRED!). Dark freeway, everyone who drives that stretch of it knows how dark it is. Like, really poorly lit and it’s an area with a lot of farm land/open space. I’m on the phone with my best friend. We always call each other driving home to make sure one another is safe. He luckily? heard the whole thing.

I hit a bicyclist… ON THE FREEWAY. I am so traumatized it’s not even funny. I feel horrible even though everyone including the highway patrol said there’s nothing I could have done to prevent it and “WTF was he doing on a bicycle on the freeway?”.

Yes he lived, as far as I know but the anguish and guilt and fear is looming hard over my head. I keep going down spirals. I’m so scared to drive. I am constantly anxious and I’m not sleeping. My heart pounds constantly. I am unable to return to normal life. I am beside myself with worry that the poor guy is going to die of his injuries, that I will have to go to jail and not see my daughter graduate high school and lose everything I have worked so hard for. I know it’s far fetched, but is it?

Unfortunately the liability rep from my insurance called yesterday. Logically I understand the timing- the insurance estimator went and looked at my truck, the summary was sent to my insurance, not even two hours later I get a phone call and the guy was SO condescending. Like SIR we live in the same state, you know damn well a bicyclist doesn’t belong on the freeway (“unless there are no paths/means of travel” of which there are plenty in the area I was in). You know damn well the CHP will file the report, but it will be a week before it’s available. I told him, I want to see the report just as much as you do, sir. He tried telling me the guy may claim compensation and just…

HOW????? he was on the freeway where he did not belong, and it being so dark, I did not see him until the very last second and swerved! The rep even said “well we don’t know the persons name or anything like that” and I’m like okay, so you’re just calling me to upset me? Because I don’t know either! I want to know! I feel terrible even though it is literally NOT my fault. Every single person I’ve told, what’s their first reaction…? “Why was the guy on a bicycle on a FREEWAY?” From the law enforcement to the paramedic to my coworkers, my daughters… and this ONE guy is trying to tell me I may be liable?

Please talk me off the ledge. I’m going crazy over here. 😞

Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a situation and could really use some guidance.

I just got a new car less than two weeks ago. I added myself to my mom’s insurance, but apparently my car wasn’t listed only me as a driver. Yesterday, while driving, I got into a four-car accident. State troopers came to the scene and took everyone’s information. When I asked the trooper who was at fault, he said the driver in front of me was at fault.

When I looked at my mom’s insurance to start the claims process, I realized my car wasn’t actually listed. I have damage to the back bumper and trunk (it’s hanging off) and damage to the front as well.

I’m honestly lost on what to do next. Should I file a claim through my mom’s insurance anyway? Do I need to contact an attorney? Any advice on steps to take would be hugely appreciated.

Getting into a car accident is already stressful enough but dealing with insurance afterward can feel like a second nightmare.

Your recorded statement can hurt you

Adjusters call within 24–48 hours asking for a recorded statement. Even innocent phrases like "I'm okay" can be used to minimize your claim later.

The first settlement offer is never the best one

Initial offers are designed to close your case fast and cheap. Once you sign, it's permanent.

Delays are a tactic, not a backlog

The longer you wait, the more likely you are to accept less.

Have you ever felt like your insurance company wasn't being straight with you after an accident?