I read online that at an intersection, the driver making a left turn during a collision is at fault 99% of the time. I was just involved in such a accident last night. Both sides had a green light, a 25 MPH residential-commercial zone, I was required to yield to oncoming traffic. I stopped, left signal on, determined I had ample time to execute the turn and did so.
I saw a flash of light; suddenly there's an airbag in my face, and something kicked me in the shin. A jeep smashed into the front-right side of the vehicle. I hurt my leg, my car is totaled, he was left relatively unharmed. After the accident I was in a complete state of shock, my hands were painfully cold and I couldn't think straight.
I told the cop the first oncoming car I saw was at least 100 ft away, I had ample time to make the turn, and that I was shocked and didn't understand how it could have happened. The other driver said he had been looking down, looked up, saw me, and slammed on his brakes. There is no indication he even attempted to avoid or reduce the accident, no skid marks and his car was straight.
I racked my brain for hours trying to figure out how I could allow this to happen... and finally as I was trying to sleep I re-visualized the accident in order and realized he didn't have his lights on. I couldn't see him, and he apparently wasn't even looking.
I called about a dozen people this morning, and finally found a friendly business; Phantom Fireworks, who after 30 minutes of searching the tape found that the other driver did not have his lights on, and had turned them on immediately before the accident. The tape is of poor quality, and they are currently requesting permission from corporate to release the footage.
I'm 19, from New Jersey, the accident occurred in PA. I don't believe the police officer gave it a second thought that the accident was entirely my fault.
What should I do? Helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. I have contacted my insurance company; 4 times. I had just bought the car, and put a lot of effort into fixing it up, there's no way I can return to college if I'm deemed liable.
Thank you.
I saw a flash of light; suddenly there's an airbag in my face, and something kicked me in the shin. A jeep smashed into the front-right side of the vehicle. I hurt my leg, my car is totaled, he was left relatively unharmed. After the accident I was in a complete state of shock, my hands were painfully cold and I couldn't think straight.
I told the cop the first oncoming car I saw was at least 100 ft away, I had ample time to make the turn, and that I was shocked and didn't understand how it could have happened. The other driver said he had been looking down, looked up, saw me, and slammed on his brakes. There is no indication he even attempted to avoid or reduce the accident, no skid marks and his car was straight.
I racked my brain for hours trying to figure out how I could allow this to happen... and finally as I was trying to sleep I re-visualized the accident in order and realized he didn't have his lights on. I couldn't see him, and he apparently wasn't even looking.
I called about a dozen people this morning, and finally found a friendly business; Phantom Fireworks, who after 30 minutes of searching the tape found that the other driver did not have his lights on, and had turned them on immediately before the accident. The tape is of poor quality, and they are currently requesting permission from corporate to release the footage.
I'm 19, from New Jersey, the accident occurred in PA. I don't believe the police officer gave it a second thought that the accident was entirely my fault.
What should I do? Helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. I have contacted my insurance company; 4 times. I had just bought the car, and put a lot of effort into fixing it up, there's no way I can return to college if I'm deemed liable.
Thank you.