Lawyers out there?

[Kneale Brownson]

--
There's no way it's a hit-and-run if you exchanged ID and contact
information AND MONEY.  What's the legal limit in VT small claims court?


At 10:14 PM 01/13/2002 -0500, Alexander van Gerbig wrote:

>     Just wondering about some things that maybe some knowledgeable person
>and/or a lawyer would know...
>
>When there is an accident and a person accepts payment after accident for
>damages to property/vehicle does this null out any claims he/she may try to
>file later?
>
>Under VT law a person must file an accident report within 72 hours after an
>accident that involves $1000 or more of damage to their property.  If
>someone doesn't file this report do they have any leg to stand on when
>dealing with the State?
>
>     That fellow I had my boom boom with called tonight and wants more money
>over the $800 we both settled on the night of the accident.  I told him to
>contact me with a bill when it was all said and done, and I might discuss
>helping out more, my mistake it seems.
>
>     It's an '87 Lebaron worth $1200 and he wants a total of $1400 claiming
>the accident caused over $4000 worth of damage.  I played a little hardball
>on this one over the phone and didn't just cut him a check like I did the
>night of the accident.  This fellow immediately cashed my check, 2 days
>after the accident, without getting any estimate.  He didn't file an
>accident report, he didn't contact the police, he didn't give me his
>insurance information, and so on.  He is claiming it was a hit and run now
>and he has talked to two state policeman who are "friends" and they said
>what he told them it qualified as a hit and run.  Too bad they didn't advise
>him to file an accident report too heh?
>
>     I may just give a ring to a lawyer and ask for some advice tomorrow.
>Personally I see it in the light that he accepted payment, did not get the
>police involved, did not file an accident report, and so on seems to waive
>his right to file anything against me, plus he has no corroboration, his
>word against mine with no evidence other than the damage to his car which
>for all intensive purposes could have been caused by himself.  He wants me
>to pay over the value of the car as well.  Am I off base here?
>
>My life is just chock full of joy lately!
>
>Thanks!
>
>Alexander van Gerbig -- '91 200q20v (Crunched) -- '90 90q20v (Limbo) -- '88
>80t (R.I.P)
>
>Europrice-----------------------
>http://www.euro-audi-parts.com
>
>The Audi  80 Pages---------
>http://surf.to/the80pages.com
>
>North Ferrisburg, VT 05473
>
>
>---
>Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
>Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
>Version: 6.0.313 / Virus Database: 174 - Release Date: 1/2/02
--