Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - In an accident, not at fault, what should I remember?

zukes · 05-28-2012, 07:16 AM

I was an auto adjuster for 5 years, and still do the odd auto claim when things are slow. I do property and liability now, so if I was involved in this as an adjuster it would be for the other driver's insurance company, monitoring your injury file.

If you were rear ended, then the other person is 100% at fault, there is no disputing that. If Alberta is the same as Ontario, you will get a rental until your vehicle is fixed, or until an offer is made for the total loss of your vehicle (note: I did not say until you accept their offer, the rental is one of the pieces of leverage the insurance company will use to get you to settle the vehicle portion of your claim. Generally, if you accept their offer, they will extend the rental a few more days).

If you had car seats, again if Alberta is the same as Ontario, replace them now. Usually the insurance company does not need them, but want to make sure that the body shop takes them and disposes of them properly. They need to be cut before they are disposed of. Car seats should be discarded regardless of how severe the accident, even a small fender bender can compromise them.

In terms of injury, document everything. If the injuries are severe, or lasting and lawyers are hired, be prepared that even though the fault determination rules state that the other driver is 100% at fault, that is only for dealing with the vehicle portion of your claim. Should there be any litigation, there is almost no scenario where someone will be 100% at fault. Now is may be 92% - 8%, but just know that.

If there were witnesses, do your best to secure their information. If you did not get them at the scene, contact the police. You will get the info far quicker than the insurance company. Give that info to your adjuster as the sooner they get a statement from them, the better the statement will be.

Be honest about your injuries, some people see dollar signs after and accident and start to exaggerate things. You will get the best service if you are honest and prompt with whatever requests the insurance company asks of you.

05-28-2012, 07:16 AM	#14
zukes Nostradamus Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Ont. Exp:	I was an auto adjuster for 5 years, and still do the odd auto claim when things are slow. I do property and liability now, so if I was involved in this as an adjuster it would be for the other driver's insurance company, monitoring your injury file. If you were rear ended, then the other person is 100% at fault, there is no disputing that. If Alberta is the same as Ontario, you will get a rental until your vehicle is fixed, or until an offer is made for the total loss of your vehicle (note: I did not say until you accept their offer, the rental is one of the pieces of leverage the insurance company will use to get you to settle the vehicle portion of your claim. Generally, if you accept their offer, they will extend the rental a few more days). If you had car seats, again if Alberta is the same as Ontario, replace them now. Usually the insurance company does not need them, but want to make sure that the body shop takes them and disposes of them properly. They need to be cut before they are disposed of. Car seats should be discarded regardless of how severe the accident, even a small fender bender can compromise them. In terms of injury, document everything. If the injuries are severe, or lasting and lawyers are hired, be prepared that even though the fault determination rules state that the other driver is 100% at fault, that is only for dealing with the vehicle portion of your claim. Should there be any litigation, there is almost no scenario where someone will be 100% at fault. Now is may be 92% - 8%, but just know that. If there were witnesses, do your best to secure their information. If you did not get them at the scene, contact the police. You will get the info far quicker than the insurance company. Give that info to your adjuster as the sooner they get a statement from them, the better the statement will be. Be honest about your injuries, some people see dollar signs after and accident and start to exaggerate things. You will get the best service if you are honest and prompt with whatever requests the insurance company asks of you. __________________ agggghhhhhh!!!