Accidental Collision?

Wednesday morning started out calm and full of promise. I was out the door at 6:48 and there wasn't a spot of traffic on the road. I turned onto the road in front of my work and still had 3 minutes until 7. What would I do with this rare free time? Go to Starbucks and get a warm drink? The thought crossed my mind and if only I had heeded that fleeting thought. Instead, I decided to go straight to work. I put my blinker on, slowed down to a stop, and waited for the bicyclist and lone motorist to pass me by so I could make my left hand turn. Right as I was about to begin my turn I was jolted out of my seat. I let out a cry of rage and an "Oh no you didn't!"

Yes, he did. A taxicab had run into my rear passenger side bumper & tire. Obviously not looking at the road, he had made an extremely wide right-hand turn out of the parking lot to my right. Instead of turning into the near lane, he turned right into me - in the inside lane! So, I spent my free minutes pulling over, exchanging my information and gathering his, all the while trying to understand what he was saying. He didn't want to involve the police or insurance companies. Yeah right! Like I'm just going to hope he pays me back...sure. He seemed nice enough. And gave me his insurance and contact information willingly. But I contacted my insurance company and filed my claim. I told them he wanted to pay out of pocket & that I was going to give him the opportunity to do so (with a cashier's check or something equally legit). I took my car in, got the estimate, and began the repairs - all on Wednesday. The estimate currently stands at $1200. I called him & informed him of the price - on his answering machine. I waited. And waited. He called late Wednesday night & said he wanted to meet to discuss things. Okay...fine. But I'm bringing my dad along.

So, at noon yesterday I went to the Starbucks to meet him. My dad and I waited for over half an hour & decided that was ample time for him to show up. So I called my insurance company and told them to proceed with handling the situation. Later in the day, I saw I had a missed call & a new text message. Both from this guy. He called almost 2 hours after our scheduled meet & greet and left a voice mail that I am certain is in a different language...possibly cussing me out. That part I couldn't tell. The text said to "Call ****". But I feel like I have accommodated him enough and now it just comes down to the fact that I want my car repaired. I gave him 2 days and feel that that was more than generous. I could have simply said no and gone straight to his insurance company, but I didn't. I gave him a little time. But the fact is, I can't wait forever because I need my car fixed & I need to make sure I'm not footing the bill. Especially since I wasn't at fault in the situation.

I have always had a certain phobia towards Seattle taxicabs. They always appear to drive erratically and I fear I'll get hit every time I'm stuck next to one.

Now I know that it was a healthy fear.

I feel bad that I'm hurting this guys driving record, but insurance is there for a reason...right?

Please let me hear some feedback...if only for my peace of mind! :)