This past Saturday we were getting a pretty fair snow storm. I had an errand I needed to run across town. Traffic was really light. I was in my '87 4Runner north bound on I-295 crossing the James river on the Varina-Enon bridge. Cresting the bridge, (and it's a tall one), I see a white Cadillac with a clamshell trailer spun completely around on the apron of the passing lane. I pulled over and called 911. Then I backed up the bridge while there was no traffic coming, and cross over to the Cadillac. It's totaled, the driver is shaken up but uninjured. He had suitcases in the trailer which has popped open, allowing 2 of them to fall about 200 feet to the ground below. I let the guy sit in my truck while we wait for the cops to come. Like I said, traffic was pretty light, but we had the usual rubber-neckers. One vehicle stands out because he stopped in the CENTER lane and just stares and the wreck. After 45 minutes to an hour, the cops show up and I leave. Today I get a call from Progressive insurance wanting to verify that I was in an accident on I-295 Saturday about 9:30 am. HUH? Someone in a teal Altima rental car said I lost control, hit them and drove off. But, he didn't make a police report. Guess what stopped beside us in the center lane? I told the lady that we were waiting for the police to respond from a 911 call made on MY CELL PHONE, and that my butt was covered from the time the 911 call was made, (about 9:05 am) until the time the officer arrived, (about 10:00am). She wanted to know if I had the name of the Cadillac driver, to which I responded no, but the Henrico PD does. I'm calling my insurance tomorrow as well as the Henrico county police to see if anything was reported. All I can figure is that he didn't have insurance on the rental, bounced off of something saw my Toyota and the Cadillac close together, thought I was involved in the wreck, so he would cash in. The Cadillac only had a rear tag and the guy couldn't see it. I almost hope the guy tries to take this to court so he can be found guilty of fraud. Sorry bastard.

What a dick. I hope they get him for fraud even if it doesn't make it to court.

I think we should be allowed to exterminate one person each month. This guy should get the award, and a bullet.

Oh wow. I'd love to see him get perjury and insurance fraud. That would be a spectacular start....

I hope everything works out for you.

I called my insurance company, and the Henrico Police. No one has reported anything, and my insurance said it sounded like a "fishing expedition". The police said they have the 911 calls recorded, as well as the time the officer marked on scene and if necessary will produce them and contact his insurer about potential fraud, if needed. Called his insurance company back told her what has transpired. She said rather flippantly, "Well if he was SURE it was you, I'm sure he would have pursued it". So I asked her if SHE was going to pursue it and take him to task for fraud. She said, "No, we'll just wait and see if anything happens, I wouldn't worry about it, if I were you". I never was worried, but I was plenty mad. Even with all the mess that's happened, I would do it all again. There could have been an elderly person, a family and a bunch of kids, a pregnant woman, someone with a medical condition. It must be that karma thing.

Bill,

Wow...some people.

The older I get the more I believe in karma. I guess it is because I've seen more and maybe have a little bit better understanding of the bigger picture. Glad you're okay and kudos for stopping. I'm sure the guy will get his at some point.

Costas
cars and such...

seems like an insurance company should collect all contact info when someone makes a claim, so then if they're stupid enough darwinism will take over or they will just back off and not file the claim

actually don't you think the insurance company knows who the driver of the teal altima is? if i was the owner of a company i would personally pursue a jackass like that, or atleast have a team of pursuers... under the table if need be

Oh they absolutely know who he is, because they insure him. I'm sure either Progressive, (his insurer), or Enterprise, (the rental agency), will find the truth. But....he never made a claim, he just told his insurer that I hit him and damaged the rental. Maybe he's so stupid that he figured someone would simply pay the claim rather than invetigate it. The asshole. The Henrico PD is chomping at the bit to get involved IF he does make a claim, so we'll see.
Paul, I believe in karma the older my PARENTS get too. My dad flew back to Richmond Sunday night after visiting a friend who is dying of cancer. He can't see very well anymore, and at 78 years old he isn't as strong as he once was. I went to pick him up, I see him walking beside this young guy who is carrying his bag. I don't know what was in it, but it was a good 50 pounds, and this offered guy a helping hand.
Google the Varina-Enon bridge. The pilings that are in the water are on the south side of the river. The accident was about 200 yards past the north tower, and the dope stopped in the center lane.
DrivinSidewayz, who are you playing for?

don't know yet