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Everyone Needs A Dashcam / State Farm are A**holes

jadedm17

jadedm17

Member
On September 15th I was driving home from the dog park when a 17 yo female clipped into my car.
Evidence as shown :




The clearly new driver got into the turn lane too soon after illegally crossing double yellow lines; When I made my way into the lane - after using my turn signal and noticing her once I started to get in the lane - she clipped into my vehicle and yet still propelled forward a fair bit even as I stopped.


w5JjX1T.jpg


The Officer who wrote the crash report is still doing the full report as apparently the girl goes to school out of town which is delaying talking to her and issuing her a citation for her driving.
State Farm - her insurance - has sent a letter saying the investigation is complete and they admit 70% fault while claiming I'm 30% at fault.
After talking to them myself they admitted the girl had illegally crossed the lines but wasn't fully at fault. They wouldn't admit that on recording when I called back.

TL;DR : EVERYONE BUY A DAMN DASH CAM

What say you GAF, is court next up?
I'm waiting on my insurance and the Officer to finish whatever they may be doing, but it looks to me like my next step is small claims court.

Am I crazy, is it my responsibility to see people who illegally cut me off? I'm trying to wrap my head around their report. I'm just glad I had a dashcam.

Has anyone had a similar incident? I'd like to know the results of similar situations and what moves one has (other than court) if an insurance is refusing fault.
 
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jadedm17

jadedm17

Member
Richard Packer said:
How the fuck is she not 100% at fault.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly.

I'm going to call the other party tomorrow, which will probably result in me talking to one of her parents, and offer the video to make sure they've seen it; From there I'll probably let them know small claims court is my next step. The biggest problem I don't want that to sound like a threat but just to make sure they're 100% clued in on the situation and that I feel put in a corner.
I remember being young and making mistakes - that's hard - but at the same time I'd like my car I've had a whole 6 months to not look like ^that^.
 
Richard Packer

Richard Packer

Member
LoV said:
He doesn't need to check his blindspot because the person behind him shouldn't be in the opposite lane trying to swoop in when OP clearly was driving into the turning lane off the intersection.
Click to expand...

Situation could have been avoided though if op checked his blind spot.

The girl is still at fault as she did an illegal maneuver.

If op was a better driver I feel like this whole ordeal could have been adverted.
 
jadedm17

jadedm17

Member
Squirrel Killer said:
He didn't clear his blind spot before merging into the turn lane.
Click to expand...

I did but didn't see her, I only noticed her once starting into the lane hence how far I got to how far she got; Based on her velocity forward after impact I assume she was a moderate distance behind me and in the left lane a decent length too soon.

Richard Packer said:
Situation could have been avoided though if op checked his blind spot.
Click to expand...

I don't completely disagree, but I've avoided accidents of people running red lights or cutting me off too yet never thought I'd be remotely at fault if I didn't avoid an accident of someone who broke a law in a situation I did not.

Also as above I did check and didn't see her until I started to get into the turn lane. Clearly that was too late. :\

LoV said:
He doesn't need to check his blindspot because the person behind him shouldn't be in the opposite lane trying to swoop in when OP clearly was driving into the turning lane off the intersection.
Click to expand...
Thanks.
That's the part that gets me.
The reason I stopped so quick was because I did notice her in my mirror but never expected someone to be there.
Again thats the left turn lane for the opposite direction. If a car went to turn in that lane she could have had a head-on crash. :\
 
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Richard Packer

Richard Packer

Member
jadedm17 said:
I don't completely disagree, but I've avoided accidents of people running red lights or cutting me off too yet never thought I'd be remotely at fault if I didn't avoid an accident of someone who broke a law in a situation I did not.

Also as above I did check and didn't see her until I started to get into the turn lane. Clearly that was too late. :\
Click to expand...

You always gotta be on high alert driving in the city. That's why I only tolerate penis play on the open road
 
daveonezero

daveonezero

Banned
Looks like 1 dash cam isn't enough. This is why I bought 2. One looking backwards.

Richard Packer said:
Situation could have been avoided though if op checked his blind spot.

The girl is still at fault as she did an illegal maneuver.

If op was a better driver I feel like this whole ordeal could have been adverted.
Click to expand...
I agree. You have to drive and expect everyone to be idiots and that you are invisible. Most accidents can be avoided. Some can't
 
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jadedm17

jadedm17

Member
daveonezero said:
Looks like 1 dash cam isn't enough. This is why I bought 2. One looking backwards.
Click to expand...

Mine came with two, laziness and hating cords prevented me from hooking up the second.
I'll hook it up soon soon.
The thing that bugs me too is the girl claimed I didn't use my turn signal, making me wonder how I could make that more clear? I wonder if Tesla's log that information or if their outside cameras catch that better? Currently it's just bugging me; I bought these cameras after 3 close calls within a week that all weren't my fault, and the hope was I could catch all info of an incident showing when I'm not at fault. Apparently there's still stuff I'm not able to capture even with a rear camera the other party can lie about. (Or recall wrong. She's young and inexperienced. Either way I'm negatively effected the same.)
 
eot

eot

Banned
Blind spot??
He turns into the new lane as soon as it appears, he's not changing into a pre-existing lane. The only way she can ram him is by turning into the lane for oncoming traffic.

Is it better to check for idiot teenagers there? Yes, but no way that implies "fault" because you didn't look for someone doing something illegal lol. Get out of here.
 
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GeorgPrime

GeorgPrime

Banned
Dashcams never gonna happen in Germany. I think they are even forbidden here.

They have to protect insurance companies.... they are forbidden due to stuff like GDPR and other regulations.
 
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Ghekkus

Ghekkus

Member
I hardwired a 2 channel dash cam in my car a few months ago and luckily I haven't had anything like this happen yet, but this is the exact reason I got it. Wish I would have done it sooner. I hope you get it sorted OP.
 
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dorkimoe

dorkimoe

Member
State Farm is just doing what every good insurance company would do, protect their customer and money. All insurance companies are scummy trying to avoid paying out; get your insurance company to fight for you.
 
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DESTROYA

DESTROYA

Member
You maybe right of them being A holes but they are just doing their job and paying out as little as possible, that’s what insurance companies do.
How bad was the damage ?
 
elektrokats

elektrokats

Banned
I would like to know how early you switched on your turn signal before you went into that lane. Did you engage it as soon as you started moving into it or did you have it flashing at least 3+ times before moving?

She probably thought you were going to stay straight since you began slowing down due to the car in front of you.
 
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eddie4

eddie4

Genuinely Generous
elektrokats said:
I would like to know how early you switched on your turn signal before you went into that lane. Did you engage it as soon as you started moving into it or did you have it flashing at least 3+ times before moving?

She probably thought you were going to stay straight since you began slowing down due to the car in front of you.
Click to expand...
Shouldn't matter, it's a double yellow, she shouldn't just be rushing to the red light to stop anyways. Also depends on state laws when it comes to driving, but normally double-yellow lines should not be crossed unless turning into a driveway.
 
Mistake

Mistake

Member
Insurance will do anything to not pay out, even sue their own policy holders or testify against them. Always cover your own ass
 
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elektrokats

elektrokats

Banned
eddie4 said:
Shouldn't matter, it's a double yellow, she shouldn't just be rushing to the red light to stop anyways. Also depends on state laws when it comes to driving, but normally double-yellow lines should not be crossed unless turning into a driveway.
Click to expand...
I understand it's a double yellow line and I'm not saying she's not at fault. But turn signals are there for a reason. To let the people behind you know what you're PLANNING to do, not what you're already doing.

Too many times on the road do I witness folks who don't signal until they are already doing the action they signal for making it entirely useless and making you unpredictable as a driver, which is probably what this lady thought at this time.

I don't know how it is there but here in B.C, Canada, your signal must blink a minimum of 3 times before you make any action in your car.
 
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jadedm17

jadedm17

Member
Update : Geico (my insurance) called today to say they got State Farm (her insurance) to admit she was driving into oncoming traffic and there's no warrant to the claim I didn't use my turn signal.
The person from State Farm is gonna discuss it with their manager and get back to Geico, who will clue me in, later today.
If they still haven't changed their mind then I need to authorize Geico to pay the 30% (minus my $500 deductible) and it will go to arbitration with a third party.
She mentioned Aflac so I guess another insurance agency thats unbiased to the claim provides a legally binding decision? Learned something new today.

Thanks for the help and reassurance GAF, this has been a ridiculous roller coaster ride.


elektrokats said:
I would like to know how early you switched on your turn signal before you went into that lane. Did you engage it as soon as you started moving into it or did you have it flashing at least 3+ times before moving?

She probably thought you were going to stay straight since you began slowing down due to the car in front of you.
Click to expand...

I'd put money on yes, I usually turn it on as soon as its apparent the turn I'm taking - So after the turn lane right before the light ended, I probably turned it on there.
The video shows its ends around 5 to 6 seconds, so minimum 3 seconds but probably 4.
As I said before I had THREE incidents in a weeks time last November, with 1 of the 3 being an old lady that clipped my Camaro before this then waved "Its okay!" and drove off.
I drive EXTREMELY cautious. Just note our comparative speed and distanced covered after impact and I'd hope that's clear.
 
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daveonezero

daveonezero

Banned
jadedm17 said:
Mine came with two, laziness and hating cords prevented me from hooking up the second.
I'll hook it up soon soon.
The thing that bugs me too is the girl claimed I didn't use my turn signal, making me wonder how I could make that more clear? I wonder if Tesla's log that information or if their outside cameras catch that better? Currently it's just bugging me; I bought these cameras after 3 close calls within a week that all weren't my fault, and the hope was I could catch all info of an incident showing when I'm not at fault. Apparently there's still stuff I'm not able to capture even with a rear camera the other party can lie about. (Or recall wrong. She's young and inexperienced. Either way I'm negatively effected the same.)
Click to expand...

Yeah it sucks. You would need a witness. Or turn on the sound recording. Then they could probably hear the blinker.

I've seen police change their story once they see camera footage too. So it may have helped to show them on the scene to back up your story. She clearly made an illegal pass on the left.
 
KO7

KO7

Member
When I was 18, a guy in a red pickup ran a redlight and T—boned me on the passenger side so hard that my car spun around a few times and anyone in my passenger seat would’ve died or been severely crippled for life. He got a fake witness, I was deemed 100% at fault as a result, and I paid for it for years with my insurance premiums.

Got a dashcam after that and every car of mine since has had at least a front facing dashcam if not dual-channel for front and rear.
 
DrJohnGalt

DrJohnGalt

Banned
Agreed. Dashcam saved me a few years ago. I forgot the insurance company but first they tried to hit me with "shared blame" even tho the other guy was clearly speeding in bad weather then swerved into me to avoid a car making a right-hand turn. I sent my cam footage to my agent and the other guy's insurance cut a check the next week.

Other lesson is don't talk to the other guy's agent. Give your own agent (or attorney) the statement and cam footage and get ask his insurance to call yours.
 
navii

navii

My fantasy is that my girlfriend was actually a young high school girl.
Agreed on the dashcam. Had a cunt crash into the back of me, then when we were exchanging details , first thing he says is I am at fault because I reversed into him. He was also driving a courtesy car so probably wasn't used to driving it. People are cunts.
 
iJudged

iJudged

Banned
you're getting screwed, sorry this happened to you, get an attorney and sue! When you win, make sure they cover your attorney fees, get a good one, too.
 
elektrokats

elektrokats

Banned
Everyone here is jumping to conclusions already here even though we have no audio on OP's dashcam so we have no idea whether or not he signaled early enough or even at all. We're only just going by OP's word. Especially since the lady is claiming he didn't. So I'm skeptical of this being 100% completely her fault.

Even if what she did was completely illegal, it still doesn't absolve the other party of all their mistakes.
 
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Patrick S.

Patrick S.

Banned
Why would he need to look in the mirror? He moved to the left just as the lane split away from the one going straight. He followed the lane. He doesn't have to check if some idiot may be flying past, in the oppsite lane, driving over a continuous line.
 
elektrokats

elektrokats

Banned
Patrick S. said:
Why would he need to look in the mirror? He moved to the left just as the lane split away from the one going straight. He followed the lane. He doesn't have to check if some idiot may be flying past, in the oppsite lane, driving over a continuous line.
Click to expand...
No but he should be signaling ahead of time before he makes any action in the car. This is something we have no proof of in the video he provided due to there being no sound.
 
Patrick S.

Patrick S.

Banned
elektrokats said:
No but he should be signaling ahead of time before he makes any action in the car. This is something we have no proof of in the video he provided due to there being no sound.
Click to expand...

Even if he didn't use the turn signal I think he's not at fault, at all. He needs to look behind if he's somewhere where overtaking is allowed, because someone might be in the process of overtaking him. That girl who hit him was doing something absolutely illegal he had no reason to expect. It's like being at a shooting range and shooting someone who comes running from behind and jumps into your line of fire.
 
elektrokats

elektrokats

Banned
Patrick S. said:
Even if he didn't use the turn signal I think he's not at fault, at all. He needs to look behind if he's somewhere where overtaking is allowed, because someone might be in the process of overtaking him. That girl who hit him was doing something absolutely illegal he had no reason to expect. It's like being at a shooting range and shooting someone who comes running from behind and jumps into your line of fire.
Click to expand...
In the eyes of the insurance company, an illegal action from one party does not absolve other parties of their mistakes or actions. That's probably why they choose to make him 30% responsible. That's just the way it works.

I don't think enough people here realize just how stupid and dangerous it is to drive around not use your signals properly.
 
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Patrick S.

Patrick S.

Banned
elektrokats said:
In the eyes of the insurance company, an illegal action from one party does not absolve other parties of their mistakes or actions. That's probably why they choose to make him 30% responsible. That's just the way it works.

I don't think enough people here realize just how stupid and dangerous it is to drive around not use your signals properly.
Click to expand...

Well, that's key I guess.

Blog: I once had a really shitty accident situation, back in Spain. In Spain, there is no "fault percentage", it's 100% at fault or 100% free of fault. I was driving a Toyota MR2, which I had gotten just two days before, and, well it's a sports car... and I didn't slow down from 80 km/hour to 50 km/h in time while entering a town. A little bit behind where the 50 km/hour speed limit begins, was an intersection from a side road onto the main road I was on, and there was a dude sitting there at the Stop-sign in his BMW, and I remember noticing him, looking into his eyes while he was looking at me, and suddenly he starts driving and I crash right into him. The dude was all "man, you were way too fast, let's just drive off and everyone pays for his own repairs!" But I insisted that we call the police. Police saw my brake marks and said "you were speeding! You caused this!" And I replied, "well I might have been a bit too fast, but this guy had a STOP sign, which means stop!!! and make sure there is no traffic!!! He saw me coming and still decided to drive onto the main road even after seeing me". In the end, my insurance company and his insurance company were going back and forth over who was a fault, for months, then my insurance company called me and asked me to personally go to the police station to ask for the police statement, because police coulnd't be bothered to send their report to the insurance companies. I remember the cop there was all like "sir, you were way too fast, you might stil get a fine for your reckless driving!", but they never ever followed up on that. In the end, the other guy was found to be at fault. I dunno if he was drunk. But I still had to drive a new to me car with a smashed front end for like four months because of... well, Spain really. I did learn a lesson, though.
 
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Reactions: KO7
O

oagboghi2

Member
KO7 said:
When I was 18, a guy in a red pickup ran a redlight and T—boned me on the passenger side so hard that my car spun around a few times and anyone in my passenger seat would’ve died or been severely crippled for life. He got a fake witness, I was deemed 100% at fault as a result, and I paid for it for years with my insurance premiums.

Got a dashcam after that and every car of mine since has had at least a front facing dashcam if not dual-channel for front and rear.
Click to expand...
Wow.

Yeah, time to invest in a dashcam. Any recommendations?
 
BWJinxing

BWJinxing

Member
oagboghi2 said:
Wow.

Yeah, time to invest in a dashcam. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...


Dashcamtalk is a good resource to start. It's been a while since I've researched them.

DashCamTalk

Welcome to DashCamTalk. The world's largest and most comprehensive dash cam site with over 60,000 members and over 1/2 million posts.
dashcamtalk.com dashcamtalk.com

I own a 8 yr old blackvue model, it works but it's burning hot to touch and the GPS stopped working of recent. So I'll be in the market for a new one at some point.

Don't go too cheap as the low end is Chinese junk. On avg, something 1080p and decent can be had for about 100$.
 
TDiddyLive

TDiddyLive

Member
Kayoba said:
You cannot blame OP for this incident, she shouldn't be there in the first place.
Click to expand...
That argument doesn’t work if OP did absolutely anything wrong.

Example: If a person in a state where texting and driving is illegal is texting and doesn’t see a person illegally crossing mid block and hits them, they still get a percentage of the blame, even if the person jaywalking “shouldn’t be there in the first place.”

Or a common one. Driver A does unsafe/illegal lane change into a Driver B’s car and collides. Both people get out to exchange insurance. Driver B never had a driver’s license. Driver B is not at fault for the collision even though, as an unlicensed driver, he “shouldn’t be there in the first place.”

Most large cities, like Los Angeles, allow people to enter turn lanes early, as traffic build up at red lights commonly builds beyond the “entry” area of turn lanes. Cars enter prior to that, otherwise no vehicles will even be in that lane prior to the green light cycle completing.
 
ThatStupidLion

ThatStupidLion

Member
Okay so what are good dash cams folks?

Front and rear. On board storage. Minimal wires. Anything else i need?

Also wow thats 100% her fault. What the hell people! No reason you should have to expect a car coming through like that
 
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