I've been hit! What would you do?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m torn.

My car was parked in the company parking lot and was hit by another employee. Scratch and scuff on the driver’s corner of my front bumper. I was parked in a friend’s parking space when it happened, so he got a call from the parking coordinator and was given the person’s name and phone number. I called that person and left a short message with my name and number saying that I had the car that was hit.

I’ve not heard back in a week, and I’m not sure what to do.

To give you an idea of where I’m coming from, a few years ago I was rear ended while parked waiting to exit a parking garage at my old job. The guy waiting behind me somehow rolled into me. Very low speed tap that scuffed my rear bumper. I was in a forgiving mood and after getting his number I called him later in the day and after making sure he was driving with insurance I told him to forget about it. A few months later I noticed the spider cracks in the paint on my rear bumper that must have been due to it being pushed in. They’ve turned to flakes. Not a big deal, as I have a '96 car that I don’t keep all gussied up.

My first instinct is to tell the guy who just hit me to forget about it, thereby being done with this whole thing (and increase my good karma). But the scuff is palm sized and pretty visible. Do I want to go through the hassle of figuring out how to deal with his insurance, or get a check from him, bring my car in for repair etc.? I’m also kind of upset I’ve not gotten a call back from the guy.

What would you do?

2

I wouldn’t forget about it. I’ve been so lenient in the past when people accidently scratch my car because they weren’t paying attention.

Definitely pursue this.

Palm-sized scuff…that is pretty noticable.

3

I think that the guy who hit you gave up his claim on any good karma by being an ass and not having the decency to even call you back.

Call him again, tell him that you are forwarding his name and number to your insurance company and let them (your insurance co.) deal with him.

4

I would follow up. The guy who hit you (or his insurance company) has an obligation to fix your car.

I don’t think that letting the guy out of his obligation does anything for you karma.

5

I too was hit in a parking lot (I was in the car, but at a dead stop). The only damage was a busted turn signal lamp. I got his name & address, and a week later sent him a bill for under $50. He didn’t respond in a month, and I sent him another letter as a reminder. I got his check within a week. No harm, no foul.

Just send him a reminder call or note. No need to get hostile or threatening – just approach it as if you think it’s slipped his mind.