Australia FTW!

I got into a bit of a fender bender back in March on I-280, in bumper-to-bumper conditions in the rain. Couldn't have been more than 5mph when I just didn't brake in time. There was no visible damage to my car, no visible damage to the other guy's car either. I took photos. Also the guy seemed fine when I talked to him and when I asked if he and everyone in his car was OK.

Look, it was my fault. I'm not debating that. I gave him all my insurance information, and was nothing but cooperative during the following claims investigation.

However, I later found out that the guy was asking my insurance company for an injury claim to both he and his passenger. My insurer was obviously going to investigate. I gave my side of the story, provided all the details, even gave them the photos I took.

This pissed me off a little bit. Take out a claim for damages, sure; like I said, it was my fault. But why take it to that extreme? How badly could you have been hurt? What could have happened during a very slow fender bender where there wasn't even any paint chipped off the bumper? Now, maybe you did jolt forward. Maybe even bruised a bit, but how bad was it if you were able to walk around the car, talk to me, and then tell me you were OK? Even if you were a bit sore afterwards, rub some dirt in it and walk it off.

But no. This guy had to sue me for a medical claim as well. This reeked of someone trying to take advantage of the situation. My insurance company agreed and denied any medical claim on the accident.

Today, they informed me that in order for the claiming party to follow up with their efforts, they would have to serve me the suit in person. Which will be hard.

Australia FTW!

PS: This WIN is balanced out by the fact I was almost killed twice this week having forgotten that cars stopped at an intersection can make a left turn against a red light. Like a right turn on red in CA. Only reversed. PWNED.