Asked in Car Accidents for California

Q: Is there a certain amount of time someone has to inform someone of the insurance claim?

In May I accidentally bumped into a car while I was leaving a parking garage. I did not see any damage but I still left my phone number. She just contacted me saying she noticed a buckle in the bumper and wasn't able to get an estimate until now due to family emergencies. I made the mistake on not taking pictures but I do not remember there being a buckle

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2 Lawyer Answers
Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Mill Valley, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Technically, property damage claims have a 3 year statute of limitations. However, generally speaking, the longer one waits, the more questionable a claim becomes. It is not necessarily suspicious that she waited until now. You are correct you should have taken photos. Hopefully you reported this to your insurance company when it happened.

William John Light agrees with this answer

William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Notify your insurer. It will either pay the claim or defend you, in its judgment. If you don't have insurance, you can either negotiate a settlement or defend yourself if she sues you in Small Claims.

Gerald Barry Dorfman agrees with this answer

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