[scrawl1569]

I'm in Indiana, I'm 19 years old, and I have a cloudy problem that I do not know what to do or my boundries.

It snowed real bad here the other day and both me and my neighbor were backing out of our driveway, he was on the other side of the road, I was on and he got out of his driveway first and I hit my brakes sliding down into him, leaving a small scuff on his door.

We looked at the damage and he said he had to go to work nothing was wrong, it was fuine and we didn't need to call the police. He said I would just have to fix the minor scratch and I was fine with that, though we both were on ice and both were backing out and slid into one another - I think it was mostly my fault cause he got hit by my car, instead of vice versa.

5 days have past and he went and got the car estimate for the scratch. He also got an estimate for his window and something with his engine. He claims now his window won't roll down because of me and his engine is messed up.

2100 in damage, he says I have to pay. What should I do, I don't have the money for it and I don't want to report to insurance cause if I admit to it, I'm liable for it and then my premiums raise a lot. He told me it was no big deal and it was both our faults and I offered to pay for the scratch - he's taking this way far though.

I think he just is taking advantage of me, what should I do? Legally can he stick me with this? He didn't call cops or insurance, as long as I don't admit to it happening and take blame for it - I should be fine from all those damages?

Thanks

[Fr_Chuck]

don't have to call the cops at minor accidents but? this means now it is your word against his. Was his car moving or had it stopped

so he can sue you in civil court, normally small claims for the value of the damage. So if you don't pay, expect to end up in court.

[JudyKayTee]

I'm a liability investigator. If you don't pay (after you've seen two estimates) or don't agree you caused the damages your neighbor can take you to Small Claims Court, prove damages and get a Judgment against you.

If he does take you to Court, as FrChuck said, it will be your word against his - the Judge will hear both sides, look at the evidence, make a decision.

I don't know what you mean by you don't want to report it to your insurance company because if you admit it... there's no question that you hit his car, right? The only question is whether you caused the damage he is claiming. I would not lie to your insurance company if you decide to report it.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, was he stopped when your car slid, ice happens, I have hit "several" cars over the years when my car skidded on ice. But you just be completely honest and do what has to be done

[scrawl1569]

He backed out and stopped at his mailbox and I slid into him. I'm at fault of the hit and I take full support of that. However; He said, "Don't worry about it, it's just a small scuff" I offered to pay for it, and he said that was the only thing wrong.

He took it to get it checked up, his car, and they found something wrong in the engine and he said his window won't work either, even though I hit him on the rear of his car, I think these are pre-existing.

My main question is, CAN they prove I broke the window and/or engine? I don't think I hit him that hard, It was literally a little nudge, it left a scratch, no dents or anything.

He's trying to get all this stuff replaced.

[ScottGem]

If you hit him in the rear it definitely won't affect the engine and probably not the window. Tell him you are willing to pay for the scratch you caused, but nothing more.

[asking]

I agree with Scott.

Offer to pay for the scuff as agreed, see two estimates from companies you know about, call them to make sure they actually said this, then pay him that amount.

If he insists on your repairing his engine, let him take you to small claims court. If everything happened as you say, that seems like the best you can do.

Or you can go to your insurer. They can sometimes be very helpful in serving as the tough intermediary so you don't have to.