Hello All,

My son got clipped by a car on his bike, flew off his bike and hit a parked suburban with the side of his face (luckily not his head). This was in an area of the subdivision where everyone parks to pick up their kids from school (they are not supposed to park and wait). It can become a mess.

There is a sizable dent behind the driver side rear door. I don't know how he didn't break anything thank goodness. There is a police report.

the suburban is pretty new. The lady who owns it didn't care about how my kid was just the damage. She is saying I have to pay for the damage through a claim on my homeowner's insurance or out of pocket.

couple of questions

1. Am I forced to pay? (keep in mind she does not live there and was not supposed to wait to pick up her kid)
- I don't mind splitting, but she is hell bent on me paying for it all

2. She's going to a dealership for the estimate. Which I'm sure will be crazy expensive. Any recommendations on a body shop around spring to get a second opinion?

3. any further guidance/suggestions?

thx!

Sorry to hear about the accident but glad your kid is okay!

Regarding a shop: Woodlands Car Care on Budde has done great work. I had a similar situation when my new-ish German sedan got some paint removed by a Jeep not paying attention. Dealership wanted close to $6k to remove, replace, recalibrate all sensors and every piece imaginable. WCC replaced and paint-matched the bumper for less than $1k.

IANAL but I would assume you're on the hook for this one. I could be wrong if others with more expertise disagree.