Some fender bender help

i dont know this for a fact, but it would seem like he is at fault because you wer already pulled out when he started to pull out but im really not sure.

yeah but he says in this post "and i rolled into him while he sat there"

sorry man....i think you have to pay for the light. try a salvage yard for a cheap one

usually if you were already moving, you have the right of way, but at the same time he was sitting still. Also, at least in my state, you must report any accident over $1000 in damage within 24 hours. Also going to the cops wouldn't be the worst unless one of you has a warrant. I was in a little fender bender at a gas station when a guy hit me, just like popped the corner in on both of our bumpers. Police came, asked what happened, took statements, and they were very nice. Then the guy started trying to blame me, and the cop told him to just be quiet because they don't determine fault, the leave that up to the insurance company. Called up my insurance, told them what happened, there were a few details that he said that completely refuted his own story. Long story short, my rate didn't go up, and he was determined to be at fault, so he either had to pay out of pocket or his company picked it up (he was on the job). Thats in VT, i'm not sure if laws are different in other states, but it was far from a hassle. And I would always be a little suspicious if someone was desperate not to get the police involved

you cant ask a cop without reporting it, i dont think they'll do anything but they wont answer your question. if you kept moving while he was standing still, you're at fault. even if he started backing out after you, you should have been able to spot m and stopped your own car. however, if you refuse to pay for his damage and you guys dont wanna go through cops/insurance, what is he gonna do it about it you know?

You're buying him a new light. 

Sorry, but you are.

if he was stopped and you rolled into him, its your fault.

if neither of you phoned the cops or made a report, its neither persons fault, the accident never happened technically.

if he wants you to pay for a light, say no. whats he gonna do about it??

youre welcome

^actually im welcome cus i said the same shit

lol that made no sense

lol, you make no sense, but youre welcome.

ya thats what i meant, i make no sense. ya im baked

thanks for the responses. as you guys said, the question arises out of the fact that i was moving and he wasnt (so he says, i GUESS i believe him) but i was moving out of the spot first..so yeah, guess i'll need to agree on an arbitrator with him. and if i pay for his stupid light we'll obviously try to find a cheap one like i did when i had to replace mine. stupid light units, you crack one tiny piece of plastic and you have to replace the whole damn thing..

keep the responses coming though if you have any relevant info

thanks

You don't have to do anything, no police report, it didn't happen

about all that talking to a cop would do would have it documented. then he/she'd pass it on for the insurance companies to make a decision from. that's if they would even do it now that a few days have passed.