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Denver traffic -- and car-insurance promises -- can be a real wreck

With many Denver streets undergoing repairs these days, traffic around town can be stop and start. On13th Avenue last Thursday morning, it came to a full stop for me. I was heading west in the left lane shortly before 9 a.m. when the already fitful traffic flow ahead of me...
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With many Denver streets undergoing repairs these days, traffic around town can be stop and start. On13th Avenue last Thursday morning, it came to a full stop for me. I was heading west in the left lane shortly before 9 a.m. when the already fitful traffic flow ahead of me suddenly slowed. So did I. The driver behind me did not, and the impact sent the contents of my pickup, and my wits, flying.

We both stepped out of crumpled vehicles, grabbed our cell phones and traded information. The police were there within fifteen minutes. Tip one: If you're going to be in an accident, be in one that blocks traffic -- officers respond fast. Tip two: Get hit by someone who has insurance, has all his documentation, and is both polite and apologetic.

We handed the officer our piles of papers; she checked us out, checked the debris on the streets, called the tow truck, then handed us back our piles of papers and her report.

"How often do you go to accident scenes in Denver where everyone has all their documentation?" I asked the officer.

"Not often," she replied.

So far, so good. The mashed vehicles were off the street and traffic started flowing again -- in stops and starts, of course, although none as dramatic.

Since then, though, I've been at a full stop. Six days later -- four days after the promised 24-to-48 hours for the adjuster's assessment -- I'm still waiting to hear from the insurance company of the other driver, although the auto-body place where the truck was towed is betting it's totaled.

While I wait, tell me: What's your insurance story?

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