Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Claimed Motorcycle was Over the Line

I was involved in an altercation between a motorcycle and a truck. The driver of the truck told me that I crossed over the line and hit the rear of his truck with a helmet that was strapped onto the side of my motorcycle. I believe that I did not hit the truck, but that the helmet did strike the tire of the truck, I know it did because the helmet was damaged. Upon inspection of the truck by both parties, the driver of the truck pointed to a dent near the rear behind the tire and told me that he would have that fixed by a proffessional, and then send me the bill. The more I considere this, while looking closely at the dent and the rear "mudflap" I believed that this dent was already there, as there was no "fresh" markings near this site.(paint from bike/helmet, etc) I am starting to think that this person is trying to have me pay for a dent that was there before our alterscation, it was agreed to not report the accident, but the more I think about it, the more I believe that where the dent is and where the helmet was doesn`t line up, I am wondering should I contest this altercation? Thank you


Asked on 4/24/00, 12:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jeffrey Zinder Zinder & Koch

Re: Claimed Motorcycle was Over the Line

If you have insurance you should report this immediately. If you do not have insurance then you may wish to contest his claim by not paying an bill that is presented. However if you initially agreed to cover the damages you may be responsible. If you no longer want to pay the bill you should immmediately advise the other person that upon reflection you no longer feel that the dent was caused when your helmet hit his tire. If you are in Los Angeles County and want to defend against this claim with a lawyer (the fees and costs will most certainly exceed the value of the dent repairs) you may contact me by e-mail at [email protected]

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Answered on 5/31/00, 5:53 pm


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