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"What should I do if the other person’s auto insurance only accepts partial liability? "

"I was in a car accident where the other driver ran a stop sign. I did not have a stop sign. He got a ticket, but his insurance is only claiming 70% liability because of the point of impact (my front bumper, his passenger side door). Should I accept the 70% or fight it?

"

avatar
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“If the other person’s car insurance is only accepting 70% liability, they are saying that you are 30% responsible for this accident. Depending on the comparative negligence laws in your state, this could mean that you or your
car insurance
company may be responsible for some of their damages.
If the claim has not yet been reported to your insurance company, report it to them right away and make sure to tell them that the other insurer is only accepting partial liability. When your insurance company concludes their own investigation, they will tell you if they believe that you have any liability in the accident.
If you have
collision coverage
, you can use your own coverage for the damages to your vehicle and let your insurance company pursue the other insurer to recover what they paid in the claim.
If the other insurer still disputes liability, the claim might go to arbitration. Your insurance company would keep you informed in this scenario.”
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