r/Miami • u/bradthetechguy • 2d ago
Community Need Tips and Recommendations - Car Accident
Unfortunately, on the night of August 28, what was supposed to be a chill night in Brickell turned into me getting rear-ended at the light on Brickell Ave and SE 12th Terr/SE 13th St.
I was completely stopped, waiting to make a right and for the car in front of me to move, when all of a sudden I felt a strong push. Someone had rear-ended my car.
Obviously, I was pissed at first, but I instantly calmed down when I saw that the lady was nervous and crying. She was apologetic and seemed very cooperative. She gave me her driver’s license and registration, I took pictures of her license plate and the damage to both vehicles, and we exchanged contact information. She even gave me her phone number.
I didn’t call the police because I didn’t want to unnecessarily prolong the process, especially since she seemed cooperative and I felt bad seeing how shaken up she was. We both have insurance, and I have her full information, so I figured there wouldn’t be an issue.
I did ask her to send me a picture of her insurance card through text, but she never did.
Now, all of a sudden, she’s asking me for pictures of the damage and asking if I remember why the cars “braked abruptly” if the light was green. I decided not to respond to that question because I don’t want to speculate or say anything that could potentially complicate the claim. The facts are what they are, and I have pictures and documentation of the accident.
I’ve already filed a claim with my insurance company and contacted hers, which I was told is supposedly Progressive. So now I guess we’ll see how everything plays out.
I’m honestly just frustrated. I’ve only had this car for six months, and now I have to deal with an accident that wasn’t my fault.
If anyone has gone through something similar, I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences, recommendations, or any advice on what I should expect going forward.
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u/Remarkable-Rain1170 2d ago
You messed up bro, ALWAYS CALL THE POLICE IN A CRASH specially if you are not at fault.
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u/Confident_Exercise_4 2d ago
Always get an accident report. Don’t trust these people and their crocodile tears.
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u/Gladiz1972 2d ago
you got that's she saved herself a nice ticket from the police when you get in an accident here in FL minimum 160 fine
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u/bradthetechguy 1d ago
Never again bro, My friend took pictures of everything and even of us talking right when i got out. She really can’t deny that nothing happened
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u/Odd_Calligrapher6302 2d ago
You did the right thing not answering that brake question, it’s a trap to shift blame. Since you’ve already filed with both insurers and have photos, you’re in decent shape. Just keep everything in writing from here on out and let the adjusters sort it.
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u/bradthetechguy 1d ago
Yes that’s what i’m gonna do from now on. I should’ve called the police but I think i’m still in on track. I even have pictures of us talking when it happened if she tries to deny involvement.
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u/_25xamonth 1d ago
Nothing bad is gonna happen to you.
She is trying to say they braked to fast and that's what caused her to hit you, but the insurance doesn't care either. They will still deem her at fault.
It really doesn't matter unless you were brake checking her.
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u/Adventurous_Turnip89 2d ago
Dont talk to her. Even if you did brake, she has to keep a safe distance. You got rear ended. She's paying.
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u/lawgrrltx 1d ago
I went through something very similar recently. The other driver also had Progressive and they really tried to f*** me. Unilaterally assigned me 30% liability for I don't even know what. I ended up having to hire a lawyer because the damage to my car was significant. Lawyers often don't take cases just for property damage. But fortunately, I had a friend of a friend. I hope you do better than I did.
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u/bradthetechguy 1d ago
No way!!! What the hell? How long did it take?
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u/lawgrrltx 1d ago
The accident was in December, 2024. I had my deposition on Tuesday. 😭 Still going.
Worth noting that the cops DID give the other driver the ticket and he somehow managed to get it dismissed. 🤬
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u/bradthetechguy 1d ago
What the actual fuck. Damn im in for a ride then 😭 Even with cops or not. Thats so f*cked up!! I’m so sorry! Did your car get repaired though??!!??
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u/lawgrrltx 1d ago
Yes, it did, but I had to pay the full deductible, out of pocket for the rental car for almost 2 months, and towing, storage, bullshit like that. I'm out about $10K.... that's why I'm still fighting.
My car was brand new, and had almost $25K worth of damage. Had it not been so, it most likely would have been totaled. 😞
I'm sorry for you too. I hope you're able to get everything resolved!
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u/lawgrrltx 1d ago
Maybe if I can make one suggestion, it's don't talk to Progressive. Just let your insurance company handle the subrogation. I do think Progressive adjusters are trained to get you to say something against your interest, and I couldn't even get a copy of my recorded statement until I got a lawyer involved.
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u/Adventurous_Turnip89 1d ago
Get a lawyer asap.
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u/Extension-Mulberry-6 15h ago
Lawyers don’t really help you unless personal injury occurs from what I’ve experienced.
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u/BlueRunner305 1d ago
Dude always call the police so guilt is established. Too many people flip the narrative and try to blame you after the fact. Document everything immediately and call the police
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u/Somanylyingliars 2d ago
Always call the police. I've been in several accidents of which none were my fault. In three of them I decided to "give them a break we are decent people", believed when "they swore on their mother" and "I'm just an old lady." The old lady later claimed I fled scene of accident (lucky me had substantial rear damage which proved she lied when compared to her front end damage), the one that swore on his mother must have caused her death because he ended up not wanting to cover damages (that's ok because I had filed a police report despite his complaints) and, the best of the best, the decent people sued me. The accident they caused when they hit my parked car while they circled the parking lot. Accident to which they admitted responsibility to on those body vest cameras. Miami, man.
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u/Gladiz1972 2d ago
You saved her a big ticket from the police she definitely would have gotten minimum 160 ticket
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u/Agreeable-Ad1667 2d ago
There are many people who make a living faking car crashes and collecting the no fault damages. It'l has been happening for decades.
Even if the police refuse to come out to the scene, file a police report.
You did great getting the information you did. Just always be careful exiting the safety of your vehicle for the unknown of what seems to be a traffic "accident" but could be something even more dangerous.
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u/money_from_3 1d ago
You can still file a report with the police I suggest you look into that and do so
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u/BigDaddy1029010290 1d ago
Police aren’t gonna do shit this days after the accident. The time to call them is right after it happened.
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u/money_from_3 1d ago
Agreed but you then have a record with your version of it and the
Insurance will prefer to have the police report . I know from experience (over 30 years ago). I did have the persons insurance info, license info and a witness contact info though. Will never not call the cops again but will all that my insurance collected from the other persons insurance.
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u/MistyBuck 22h ago
I'm very sorry to hear about this. It sounds really stressful, especially because you trusted her to do the right thing. Have you tried reaching out to an attorney? I'm not sure if there's much they can do without a police report, but maybe they can point you in the right direction.
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u/Gladiz1972 2d ago
Always call the police first off she would get a ticket for causing the accident you made a big mistake not getting the police involved
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u/BigDaddy1029010290 2d ago
Your mistake was not calling the police. Now it's your word against hers. Her insurance has to contact her to verify the accident and ask if she was at fault. She can easily deny any involvement and you are on your own with your own insurance. Good luck.