On May 29th 2008, I went to my son's school to get my hair done for a family wedding.
I am a community healthcare worker, and I do not have a lot of cash to spare.
So I went to support the vocational students and to save a few bucks.
It cost me $20, and I left a nice tip.
While waiting at the exit to leave the parking lot, and to my shock, a student ahead of me unexpectedly backed up into me instead of moving forward.
She said to me then and there that she saw me but that it was my job to get out of her way.
I hadn't moved because I had no time to see if there was anyone else behind or beside me.
All I could see was her - quickly backing into me!
We both put in our claims with autopac, both stating the collision was not our fault.
She found a witness, another student, who said that I rear-ended her.
I have not found a witness, although I tried.
I asked the school principal for assistance, and whether the construction crew working on the new gym had seen anything, and if the parking lot security camera showed the collision.
No-one has come forward to support me.
I am unknown there - a fish out of water - a Mom at a high school.
Unfortunately, the camera did not show the area where the collision took place.
I am now found 100% at fault.
I have been punished for not having a witness to support my story, and she has been rewarded for finding one.
Even if I did find one, what if she found two?
It's just a game.
In addition to having to pay the deductable, this at-fault goes on my record, which means a surcharge on my licence and autopac premiums.
I have shelled out extra insurance to the car rental place, because if anything happened to the rental, I could not afford a second $500 deductable.
I now have a $900 hairdo, friends, and the cost could be climbing...
But the student, if under the graduated licencing program, could have had even more to lose, thus motivating her even more to lie.
My hair looks great, by the way - kudos to the hairdressing students - but my heart is heavy knowing I am locked in an insurance system that rewards liars who can recruit other liars.
Why should you care?
Next time she could be having a collision with you or someone you care about, and if it worked before, she will probably try lying again.
The Truth is what was damaged the most in that parking lot.
Unknown "Cuddles" Intrigued
- 15 years, 10 months, 21 days ago
