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1. aliciabb88
   Member Profile

   Hi Everyone, Hopefully one of you out there witnessed a collision that took place on Sunday, Oct 10th. The accident took place at the intersection of 35th Ave SW and Thistle Street SW at around 11:20am. A 1984 Black Chevy Truck backed into my Green 2000 Honda Accord, after the truck had skidded into the intersection. If anyone witnessed this incident and would be willing to make a statement to my insurances that would be soooo helpful and I would be forever grateful! After making a claim with the drivers insurance and going through the whole process he is now claiming I rear-ended him. I called the police on the scene but they said they did't have to respond since no one was injured. There were several cars around - hopefully one witness sees this message!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

2. MargL
   Member Profile

   I wonder how long they keep the video from the traffic camera at that intersection and if it might help.
   If he skidded into the intersection then backed up you'd think the red-light camera would have caught something.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

3. flowerpetal
   Member Profile

   

   Most certainly pictures were taken if the truck was going so fast that it slid through the light which was turning red. Whether it captured the truck backing into your vehicle is questionable as the cameras catch only photos and video of the vehicle from the rear. Still, I believe MargL has an excellent idea and you should respond to the police department immediately. They have record of your 911 call. Call their nonemergency number, or the Deputy Chief for Administration at 684-5773. I can't remember the name of person in charge of the red light camera program but he was super helpful when I was making inquiries about the cameras.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

4. aliciabb88
   Member Profile

   Very good advice. I am attempting to go that route. I've submitted a formal request to the Seattle Police Department for public disclosure of any photos that were taken. I also requested the audio of me calling 911 -even though they decided not to dispatch police. Basically, I'm trying to get as many pieces together to support my claim. I really should have pushed for the police to come. The driver of the truck asked me not to because his tabs were expired. You try to be nice and this is what happens. Let this be a lesson to anyone reading - always insist that the police come! Thanks for your helpful suggestions!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

5. KBear
   Member Profile

   The expired tabs should have been your first clue that you needed a police report. I hope you're able to get this straightened out! Sounds like your insurance agent isn't being very helpful.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

6. flowerpetal
   Member Profile

   

   I agree with KBear, your insurance company should be doing the work that you are having to do (it is something that most of us forget - the insurance company's responsibility). The Public Disclosure request should put to a halt the destruction of the images. Good luck.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

7. aliciabb88
   Member Profile

   Thanks! I agree. I feel like my agent isn't really concerned with pursuing this. Basically acting more interested in just repairing it under my coverage and then "maybe" pursuing this kid. I am going to do everything I can though. That's all I can do! My car will be repaired regardless - but I am the only one that has the incentive to hold this kid responsible.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

8. jissy
   Member Profile

   alicia -- there's always small claims court depending on what kind of information and proof you can come up with.... my guess is a judge would see the work you've put into pursuing this and realize it's not a frivolous claim (and take the "tabs" think into consideration as well).

   Posted 1 year ago #         

9. m2reed
   Member Profile

   In my experience this last year, insurance companies can not be counted on. I was rear-ended with enough momentum that I hit the car in front of me. THe car who rear-ended me was driven by a state employee. The state risk adjustor denied my claim. My insurance company accepted the denial and told me I could pursue it on my own. I'm fighting it on my own and I think I'm going to win eventually because legwork and effort does lead to results. Just don't give up.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

10. Garden_nymph
    Member Profile

    

    m2reed,

    Sounds like it's time you, "Get Jessie"!

    Posted 1 year ago #         

11. 2krazy4words
    Member Profile

    

    Do you have a cell phone w/camera? The first thing to do when this happens is pull out the cell and snap photos. You'd have the record of the plates (w/expired tabs), any damage to both vehicles, etc. I know this is after the fact, but keep it in mind - especially traveling 35th Ave SW. We ALL know what a nightmare it is with people driving too fast. Good luck in your pursuit. It's a pain, but will hopefully be worth it in the long run.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

12. JoB
    Member Profile

    the trouble with taking pictures right after an incident is that your hands often shake too much to get clear pics.

    i learned that the hard way:(

    hand the camera to someone else to take the pics...

    and while you are at it.. take pics of the license plates of any witnesses so you can contact them later... even if the other party is being cooperative and you don't think you will need their statements...

    you never know.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

13. sillygrrl
    Member Profile

    Alicia, hopefully you were going southbound as the camera only catches speeders going South bound. I actually have the name and number for Mike the traffic Camera guy at home... not sure that I can actually post on the blog, but I can send an email to the blog with the information for them to send to you.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

14. aliciabb88
    Member Profile

    Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. Yes, I agree, there are about a million things I would do differently - including taking pictures, asking the cars next to me to pull over as witnesses, and make sure the police came. All good tips! Hopefully this won't happen again - next time I'll be more thorough.

    Sillygrrl - We were traveling South on 35th. I would love to speak with anyone that could help me get the photos from that intersection. My email is aliciabb@ufl.edu. If Mike is comfortable with me calling or emailing him that would be great!

    Posted 1 year ago #         

15. flowerpetal
    Member Profile

    

    I tried to drudge up the name of the man at SPD; so if Sillygrrl has it and its the SPD phone number for him; its public record and there would be no objection to posting it here.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

16. sillygrrl
    Member Profile

    Hi Alicia, I sent an email to the Editor at the WSBlog with Mike's full name and phone number. He works for the Seattle PD. I have been having issues with the flash coming into my back yard, and he has been super helpful. I am not sure if he can help you get a picture but it does not hurt to try....? I hope you get this resolved.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

17. aliciabb88
    Member Profile

    Thanks so much sillygrrl. I did put in a request to the Seattle PD for the photos. It would be great though to talk to Mike about the status of my request. I know they received it but that's all. I really appreciate everyone's concern! It's really frustrating how dishonest some people can be - but I still believe there are more honest people out there than not :) THANKS AGAIN!

    Posted 1 year ago #         

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