Help, hit a car with a backing up system

[waferthin]

Way back in October, i accidently rear ended an SUV with my Stratus. The damage to their car was minimal because the shock was absorbed mostly by their trailer hitch, which was very bent. We decided not the involve the insurance companies and we left it at that. Until now, 8 months later, I haven't heard a word from them. Yesterday, they called me and say that some rear bumper backing up system thing is messed up. They claim to have had it quoted at $1600 and need it for a camping trip which they need to use trailer hitch. According to them, the system can be turned on and off and only needs to be on when toting a trailer.

I was wondering if anyone can verify either that this system thing costs $1600 and/or if there is any way on confirming that my accident messed up this system. At the time of the accident, they mentioned nothing about this system and I am hesitant to accept this all as truth. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[fredjacksonsan]

I don't know about the price for the backup sensor, but:

There's no way they can prove that the damage that has been done resulted from your collision, since they could have backed into something or been hit again since the October incident. It's too late to report to insurance companies, since most require a report within 30 days.

As I see it, there are a couple options:

1) Tell them it's too long after the accident, and anything could have happened in between.

2) Suggest they report it to their insurance company.

At this point, since neither company will pay on the claim (probably) they will have to sue you in court to recover the cost, IF, that is, they can prove that you hit them. Did they take any pictures? Is there a police report? Has the damage to your vehicle been repaired?

[waferthin]

As far as i know, there have been no pictures taken, there is a police report and the damage to my car hasn't been fixed. thanks for the input.

[gw84]

even if there was/is damage to your vehicle, who's to say that they didn't hit something since october (as fred said)? I have a hard time believing that a claim against you would hold up because it's been a long time since you hit them and they didn't say anything about it sooner. Surely there's a window of time when you must claim property damage for it to hold up in court.

[fredjacksonsan]

It's definitely too late to report to insurance, however it may not be too late for the other driver to sue in court. Check local laws about it, but they don't have much chance at this point IMO.