So, I'm driving through the Wal-Mart parking lot, circling while I wait for my wife to pick up something quick and come back out. I'm coming down the aisle and I see back-up lights, so I immediately stop, though there's only about 15' or so. So I honk, expecting the car to stop so I can pass, but I don't move. But it keeps coming, and I'm laying on the horn, but it backed right into me, and I never had a chance to get it into reverse.

So, I slam the steering wheel, yell "Oh f***", check on my little guy in the back seat, put it in neutral, set the parking brake, shut off the car, and get out, walk up to her window, and by then she is JUST getting out of her car. I'm sure she was on the cell phone.

She immediately starts saying she never saw me, she heard the horn, but did not know what it was so she ignored it. Just backed right into me. She asks if I saw her backing up, and I said yes. So she asked if I saw her, why did it not stop? Are you kidding, lady? I did stop, you backed into me!

What a moron. She immediately started talking about her deductible, so I know she knows it's her fault. I'm not too worried, anymore, because my insurance is good, and they'll take care of it. Already have repairs set up for tomorrow (appraisal at least), and they said they'll take care of the woman and her insurance company from here.

I'm still a little steamed. She this little 4 1/2 foot woman, driving a GMC Yukon. Little woman, huge truck, on the cell phone, not paying any attention. Recipe for disaster.

My car's not too bad, I don't think. One of the headlight brackets is broken, and the bumper is creased. I'm guessing they'll have to replace the bumper. Nothing else though, thank goodness. None of the metal touched. And of course, nothing to her car.

Anyway, for ayone like me who has never had an accident and might not now what info to get if it happens, listen up:

Get the other driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company name, policy number, person's name and phone number. All I got was name and phone number, and my insurance said that's fine, and they will take care of the rest, but for future reference, now I know what I need to ask for. My first accident ever in 12 years of driving.

So, that's my bad day. I'm sure Misty will be good as new in just a little while, and it'll all be a sad memory. I just wish people would pay attention.

 

sorry to hear that, sounds like a nightmare that you can't stop when you saw her coming

 

I would add to that...Call the cops.
I have been in more than one situation where after the accident the facts were disputed.
They might also have cited her for improper backing, which is an offense in most states.

 

That lady is wrong I hope you get your car fixed.

 

Unfortunately, alot of police departments won't get involved in non-injury accidents in parking lots. That's why it is good advise to get all the pertinent info yourself, as well as names and numbers of witnesses. I speak from experience here.

Tedz: Sorry for your mishap. Glad you and the little one are okay. I hate driving through Walmart parking lots. Too many stupid people in crap cars yacking on cell phones!!

 

De ja vu?? Yikes!!!....the wife and I were at Wally-world this afternoon too. My wife asked me if I really wanted to take the 'Vert to the parking lot. I said I'd park and wait in the car. What a nuthouse!!! More people, shopping carts and beaters than I've ever seen in any other parking lot.

Never again.

 

Sorry to hear about the car.

It seems that most people just don't care. Since I just got my '07 GT 2 weeks ago, I park waaaaaay out. Yet there are still morons who insist on parking right next to me. Luckily, I'm still ding/scratch free.

 

Some people just shouldn't be allowed to drive. I had the same thing happen to me once - sitting at a stop light in a turn lane and the lady in front of me was in the intersection and instead of turning left when the light turned yellow she decides to back up - I lay on the horn but she keeps on coming till she backs into me. She didn't have a clue.

 

It's not a bad idea to keep a disposable camara in the glove box.

 

If a dispute comes up, you might have Wally World check the security tapes.

 

Thanks, Ed, that's a great idea. In the 12 hours since this happened, I've heard all kinds of good advice from friends and family. Sadly, this is my first accident ever, so I was flustered and had no idea what to do at the moment. I should have known better, but all I could think of was name and phone number. At least I got that much. All the rest seems so obvious, NOW, but not while I was standing there with a dinged, 1 month old dream car and a screaming 1 year old in the back seat. I'm taking notes, and I hope others are too, if you're like me and wouldn't know what to do when this happens.

And, yes, I'm getting the car fixed. Body shop this morning for estimate as soon as they open.

 

Really sorry to hear about that. My wife was just hit in her Subaru under somewhat similar circumstances. Fortunately, you and your little one weren't hurt. At least sheet metal and plastic can fixed.

By the way, I agree with one of the earlier responders on this thread. Too many people are licensed to drive in this country who really shouldn't be. Driving's a privilege, not a right, after all.

 

I am surprised you didn't go mental on her. I so despise the cell ***** in their SUVS. Idiots

Sorry to hear about it- hope she's good as new when you get her back.

 

Oh I just about went off on her, just barely restrained myself because her little boy was standing there.

Just got my estimate. $1108 from the body sghop, but that's with Genuine Ford parts, and insurance is taking care of getting it all from the culprit anyway. Goes back to the shop next Monday for two days. Then it'll be all as new again.

 

By the way.. cops can't do anything. It's a private parking lot. They have no jurisdiction in a parking lot. She would have been sited for nothing. So... if you aren't careful, her insurance company can balk on you.
Good luck.

 

Yeah, Clint, that's what I figured. On the upside, she sounded so scared of the ramifications, that I suspect my insurance company will call her and she'll pony up the cash ithout a fight. Like I said, she immediately started talking about deductibles, and her husband having had another problem recently, so I think she wants the whole thing to go away.

And, worst case, I don't see my insurance going up much at all over a $600 claim with an otherwise perfect 12 year driving history and never having had another single claim, ever. I hope... If she won't come through, I'll just pay my $500 deductible and let it go at that. Car's two months old, it needs to be right again...

 

I hear ya, man... I can't describe how furious I'd be in your shoes... and then feel so helpless. Hopefully, she won't wise up, and you'll be golden. I wouldn't suspect your insurance will go up at all... They can't say that you're at fault... so, they have no grounds for an increase. But then again... they can do whatever they want.

 

Insurance usually won't go up after one incident, but you should not have to fork out ANY money. People like her NEED to be held accountable for their actions. (The whole **** world for that matter ) Don't let her slide on it. Of course I think I would have her

 

At least it was a minor accident and your child wasn't hurt. Metal can be fixed and your pony will be fine soon. Just waiting for her to change her story about what happened

Well done not teaching your child any new 'funny words' that only mom and dad should use -my son dropped an f-bomb in the back seat of the car out of nowhere the other day. Man did I get in trouble ...he must of picked it up at preschool

 

That's why I'll never take my Mustang to Wallyworld! Actually, I never go there at all, hate that place! Sorry to hear about your car, glad everyone is OK.