The overwhelming response has led me to believe that you all think I'm a
spineless weasel for even considering letting this thing blow by without
a fight!
Let me get something straight here... I don't generally let people walk
all over me. I have stood up for co-workers with grievances, etc. I
have fought several traffic citations, and won, etc... I have helped the
police catch criminals, etc. I don't swallow insults...etc... I will
defend myself if attacked... etc... etc. etc.
I was basically looking for people's experience with their insurance
companies, etc.. And I found that the group was probably not the best
source... as insurance in the L.A. area is TOTaLLY a different beast
than in most of the rest of the country... the rest of the country pays
in a year, what we pay in a month, etc... Boost my insurance by 10%
and we're talking about a signficant amount of money. (at least, to
me!) So I don't think most people out there appreciate what I might end
having to pay out in the future because of this fender-bender involving
a Triumph that has yet to be fully restored. (the front end already has
some dings and the paint is attrocious!)
I agree with everyone about the righteousness of fighting this family...
and believe me, I would like to. I was simply concerned with the costs
to me in the long run... I do not believe I ALWAYS have to be the one
who fights for justice... I do like to pick my battles... I feel a
bit overwhelmed by the responses that find it so easy to say that I
should fight these people on principle, regardless of the
costs/risks... as if, whenever they have seen injustice, they have
stepped in and fought for what is right.
I am glad to have received the responses... but I would have been more
comfortable if there had been a bit more of a balance in some of them...
instead of loading my shoulders with the burdon of being my brother's
keeper... etc.
I will probably call my insurance company on monday morning... As much
as I've been active with finding Triumph manuals, promoting my gaskets,
and working in general, I've been in a fog since losing my father in
January... so my post was probably poorly expressed... and, perhaps my
desire to just blow this all off has a lot to do with this.
I felt a need to write the above as I have been made to feel like pond
scum for even thinking of letting this family go... and I wanted to
clarify my position. Hope this all makes sense. I'd prefer to drop
this matter as far as the list goes. I will certainly let everyone know
how it ends. REGARDLESS OF CONTENT, I APPRECIATED ALL THE RESPONSES.
Sincerely,
--Justin
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