I was backing out of a parking spot and someone hit me. We each think the other is at fault and have both submitted claims to insurance. How do I win the claim?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your accident! Accidents that occur when you’re backing out of a parking spot are tricky—it can be difficult to determine who is at fault.
Provide evidence: You’ll want to submit as much evidence as possible when making your case. You should provide photos, a detailed explanation of events, and any other documentation involving the accident. A police report is extremely helpful in this instance.
Work with the adjuster: Every insurance company hires an adjuster to review accident details and damages, as well as to determine fault. Cooperating with an adjuster gives you a better chance of getting your claim approved.
Negotiate: You may need to negotiate or compromise to move forward. Depending on the laws in your state, you might each be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. If so, the other driver’s insurance would cover a percentage of your damages.
By working with your insurance company (and the other driver’s insurance), your claim is more likely to get approved. In contrast, being difficult, unwilling to provide information, or even unorganized
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.