hearty-seal-0885/10/2026

Guy sideswiped me then stood there lying to my face — do I still report it?

So this happened about two weeks ago and I'm still annoyed about it.

I was cruising on the interstate, minding my business in the center lane, when this SUV just drifts into my lane like I don't exist. Full contact — I felt the scrape. I managed to keep control and we both pulled off at the next exit ramp.

Here's where it gets infuriating. I walk up, show him the fresh scuff marks running along my passenger door, and this man looks me dead in the eye and goes "those were already there." I've had this car for like three months. It came off the lot clean. There were ZERO marks on that panel before today.

I didn't call the police in the moment because honestly the damage looked minor and I was still shaky and just wanted to get home. We didn't exchange anything besides words (bad move, I know).

But the more I think about it, the more it bothers me — not even really about the scratch itself, it's that he could've spun me out at highway speed and just... lied about it. Like what if it had been worse?

Now I'm second-guessing myself. Is it even worth filing something this late? I didn't get a police report. I don't have his plate number written down but I think I remember most of it. My dashcam might have caught something but I haven't dug into the footage yet.

Has anyone dealt with something like this after the fact? Do I bother or just eat the repair cost and move on? 😤

9 replies

Most helpful first

wise-sparrow-1525/10/2026
Almost the exact same thing happened to me on a merge — guy clipped my bumper and swore up and down it was pre-existing damage. CHECK YOUR DASHCAM FIRST before you do anything else. Mine saved everything. Once I had the footage I filed a police report the next day and they actually took it. Most departments will still take a report days later, especially if you have evidence.
- genuine-beaver-5085/10/2026
  Do not just "eat it" without at least filing something on record. If that scuff turns into a rust spot or there's frame stuff you can't see yet, you'll have zero recourse if you never documented it. Insurance companies love when people talk themselves out of reporting — makes their job way easier.
- warm-swan-2025/10/2026
  Worked claims for years. You'd be surprised how often people come in a month later and we can still work with it — especially if there's dashcam footage and the damage is consistent with the story. The delay hurts a little but it's not fatal to a claim. What kills claims is no documentation at all. Pull that footage tonight, screenshot your odometer or any timestamped photos you took, and write down everything you remember about his plate while it's still somewhat fresh.
- careful-crow-3345/10/2026
  Three things: pull the dashcam footage, file a police report (non-emergency line), and call your insurance to at least open a record. Do all three before the end of this week. You can always decide not to pursue it, but you can't un-lose evidence.
candid-stoat-5375/10/2026
The plate situation isn't hopeless even if you only remember part of it — if your dashcam caught any frames of his vehicle from behind, enhancement can sometimes pull a plate. Worth having someone look at the footage before you assume it's useless. Also, a lot of states let you file an accident report yourself directly with the DMV even without police involvement, and that creates an official paper trail. Look up your state's "driver's accident report" form — it's usually a standard thing.
kind-vole-8935/10/2026
Just want to flag — you mentioned feeling shaky after it happened. Sometimes the adrenaline from a scare like that masks stuff. If you've had any neck stiffness, headaches, or shoulder tension in the days since, please see someone. Soft tissue stuff from jolts like that can creep up slowly. Don't brush it off just because you felt okay in the moment.
genuine-kestrel-2325/10/2026
How fast were you both going when contact happened? And do you actually know for sure he caused the scuff vs. something that could have happened in a parking lot without you noticing? I'm not saying you're wrong — the guy sounds like a jerk — just that if you're going to pursue this, your story needs to be airtight, especially without a police report.
gentle-swift-8325/10/2026
Honestly the fact that you kept control at highway speed and walked away is the real win here. I know the dishonesty stings but you're okay, the car is drivable, and you still have options. Check that footage — you might have more to work with than you think.
quick-crow-6835/10/2026
Ugh this makes me so mad on your behalf. The scratch is almost beside the point — he could have caused a serious accident and then just lied to your face. Please at least report it. Even if nothing comes of it, it feels better than doing nothing and letting him think that behavior is consequence-free.