Okay, I'll try to be a concise as possible.
I pulled into a Wal-Mart parking lot last week and found a space. I wanted to get a Coke and was looking in my console for some change(this is after I put it in park, but had not shut it off yet) Within about 30 seconds of me pulling in there, a woman in a Windstar pulls in beside me on the passenger side. I felt she was kind of close, probably about 18-24 inches away, so, I cast her a dirty look and put my truck in reverse figuring I'd go somewhere else to avoid a ding in my door. Well, when she pulled in, she figured she'd nudge a shopping cart out of her way with the front of her van, right into my right front tire and wheel well. Of course this was in my blind spot and I didn't see it so when I went to back up, my tire wedged the shopping cart into her left front fender. I don't think I backed up a foot and felt the resistance right away. Anyways, we both got out of our vehicles with her apologizing all over herself saying it was her fault again and again. That was until I (stupidly!!!) pointed out the damage to her van and said like an idiot , What are you gonna do about that? I let her take my name and number. She called that night with an estimate of $600 expecting me to cover it. I said no friggin way and offered her $200 to avoid any grief. That was a mistake. This went back and forth for a few days until her old man called me up and threatened to call the cops on me because I didn't provide his wife with any insurance info. I said you need to get at least two estimates and that a guy I know who owns a body shop owes me a favor and would probably do it for at least a couple hundred less than the original quote. I agreed to pay half whatever the new quote comes in at(he agreed to take it to this second body shop).

I feel like I'm being rail-roaded here and I wanted to avoid having the insurance companies get involved. I need some opinions. Did I do the right thing? Should I get the cops involved? Do I even owe her anything, because I think she was totally negligent and if anything it was her that was driving with undue care and attention. BTW, to give you some insight into the type of people I'm dealing with here, her husband said his pickup was in the body shop right now as well because and I quote "a deer hit my truck"

 

Personnally, I wouldn't pay her squat if that is the way it went down and she actually pushed the cart w/ her vehicle.

I would get w/ Wally World security and have them review the tapes from that day of the parking lot area that you parked. You may need an LEO w/ ya so you can be in on the viewing.

HTH
Chris

 

I say its her fault, You should tell her to F' off because she was the one who pushed the cart in to your truck, then dont do anything until she send you a court summons.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I don't know the husband, but I do know his parents quite well and count them as friends, so this puts another wrinkle into the situation, oh it sucks so bad!!
Oh and as far as Wally World security cameras or anything, well, this is small town Canada, and I don't think they have any cameras at this location, but I'll check next time I'm there, that's a good idea Tonka, thanks.

 

For a second, I thought jamzwayne went to Rudy's for lunch again...

 

Well, are his parents heads on pretty staight. If so, they should understand the difference between rite and wrong. So hopefully it won't affect the relationship you share w/ them.

If the parents are going to take the side of family just because they are blood, you don't need them.

Just my humble opinion.

Chris

 

Screw 'em. That why they have insurance. It was done on a private lot, so the cops won't touch it. Well, at least not in the states they won't. Legally, they can't do squat but maybe take you to small claims. You went above and beyond by offering them the $200.

 

Not sure about Wallyhell, but some places overwrite their security tapes after some period of time (30 days, 90 days etc). I would get there as soon as you can if you wanna see the tapes.

BTW, if she hit the cart first, I wouldn't pay her squat...but that's just me.

Good luck!

 

If she pushed the cart into your truck, no way should you pay her anything...

 

Right on guys, thanks for the opinions. I felt I offered more than enough as well. It sucks having no witnesses, except for her mom, and guess which side she's going to be on. I wish I'd never got out of the truck.

 

I agree with what everyone is saying, she hit the cart first and therefore she is responsible for the damage. I wouldn't give her a dime.

 

Like D said private property so there not gonna wanna touch it. More of a civil matter, I would say no money.

 

you offerd her money she refused... walk away as long as there isnt ny damage to your vehicle its not her problem. walmarts has signs posted that we are not responsible for any damages dont to your vehicle by shopping carts. and walmart surveilance camera like 70% of them are never recording... i know i got alotta people who work at them and i do alot of work for the computer systems at the walmarts accross the state. the only times the camera are monitored and recorded is when the area person notify's them of someone who would be shop lifting.

 

Exactly. If what your're saying is true, have Wal-Mart pull their security tape...should show it plain as day

 

Ask her for her insurance information...

I used to work as a claims adjuster quite a few years ago. There's no way I'd pay the claim because she voluntarily created the hazard.

Think of it like this. You stick out your leg to trip someone. They trip, and in the process they fall on you and hurt you. Do you think they're responsible for your injury?

No.

-Fatz

p.s. To pre-empt any threats about calling the police, call them and tell them about the accident. Because it was on private property and involved no injuries, you'll find they couldn't care less.