Car Accident Protocol & Checklist

[Flames0910]

Would rather not get into the details but I'm sure there are some on CP who could share some wisdom and experiences on this topic?

Thanks.

(everybody is OK)

[algernon]

First things first. Say you are sorry, and that it was all your fault.

Actually, it says not to do that on your insurance card.

[4X4]

1. Drive straight home and post about it on CP
2. Go back to the scene and exchange info (insurance, DL#, names, registration, address)
3. Make sure everyone is OK
4. Call your insurance company
5. Check your thread on CP

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by algernon

First things first. Say you are sorry, and that it was all your fault.

Actually, it says not to do that on your insurance card.

Yeah, obviously because I'm on CP now the first stage is dealt with but I figured we might as well have the discussion run the whole gamut.

edit: ^lol^

[VladtheImpaler]

What is it that you want to know exactly? (Assuming the accident was not your fault and you are injured. If not, you are dead to me )

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by 4X4

2. Go back to the scene and exchange info (insurance, DL#, names, registration, address)

Doesn't hurt to get the VIN number either.

And always take pictures. Everyone's phone has a camera these days, take advantage of that functionality.

[puckluck]

I don't want to start a new thread on this but can someone answer this question?

If I was involved in a accident when the $4,000 dollar cap was temporarily lifted by the government does the cap still apply to me?

[RW99]

I guess it depends what you are asking about. There's a whole lot of stuff that could come up with dealing with an accident, insurance claims, etc.

It's too late now. But it's always a good idea to try and take photos while the cars are still together and grab any witnesses you can. You can never be too careful. And yes, always get their name, phone, address, driver's license, insurance company name and policy number, license plate, VIN, year/make/model. The bare minimum for your protection is name, driver's license, insurance company name and policy number.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by puckluck

I don't want to start a new thread on this but can someone answer this question?

If I was involved in a accident when the $4,000 dollar cap was temporarily lifted by the government does the cap still apply to me?

IANAL, but I believe the law in effect at the time of the incident is what usually takes precedence. Talk to a lawyer though. Only way you'll get a certain answer.

[Flames0910]

Unfortunately my ice coffee spilled onto my blackberry as a result of the impact so I couldn't take pictures and will likely have to buy a new phone as well.

(for the record, I was neither drinking the iced coffee/looking to pick it up, or using the phone - they were just in their natural spots in my car -_-).

I suspect it will be a good deal of body work though. Going to have to wait tomorrow to get a quote and call insurance. If anybody has advice for this part of it...?

[puckluck]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

IANAL, but I believe the law in effect at the time of the incident is what usually takes precedence. Talk to a lawyer though. Only way you'll get a certain answer.

I did talk to a lawyer and he told me that the $4,000 dollar cap hit still applied to me.

I just don't believe him for some reason. Well actually I was thinking he just wanted the case to be closed so he lied to me. I was thinking that the law in place when I got into the accident should be the law I would have to follow when settling but apparently not. I got fed up with the case and settled for just under 5000.

I probably should have asked this question before settling but my goodness it was all just one big headache and I just wanted it to be over.

[RW99]

Originally Posted by Flames0910

I suspect it will be a good deal of body work though. Going to have to wait tomorrow to get a quote and call insurance. If anybody has advice for this part of it...?

Might as well call insurance first. Your quote may be a waste. The insurance company will either try and send you to one of their preferred shops (which are usually fine), or the insurance company will do their own quote, then you can go to whatever shop you want.

[Northendzone]

if you did not trust your law talking guy, then go get a second opinion - sounds like there might be some extenuating circumstances that would likely require a lawyer to get resolved.

[narbeZ]

All I know is this. Make sure everyone goes to the doctor to get checked. If anyone at all is injured or has any lingering injuries, its better to save yourself some money and go through insurance.

[Raekwon]

Originally Posted by puckluck

I did talk to a lawyer and he told me that the $4,000 dollar cap hit still applied to me.

I just don't believe him for some reason. Well actually I was thinking he just wanted the case to be closed so he lied to me. I was thinking that the law in place when I got into the accident should be the law I would have to follow when settling but apparently not. I got fed up with the case and settled for just under 5000.

I probably should have asked this question before settling but my goodness it was all just one big headache and I just wanted it to be over.

The cap applies to you, you would be amazed at how many lawyers advised their clients to wait it out and not accept amounts between 5-10k that have screwed their clients. We had a girl refuse 10k the week before the cap was re-instated and now she is pissing her money away in legal fees trying to get more than $4344 or whatever the exact amount the cap is at.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by puckluck

I don't want to start a new thread on this but can someone answer this question?

If I was involved in a accident when the $4,000 dollar cap was temporarily lifted by the government does the cap still apply to me?

Yes.

[macker]

First, stay calm. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Do not move your vehicle, unless you are in immediate danger and it would be safer to get your vehicle in a different location. You should get the name of the person driving the other vehicle involved along with their phone number, driver's license, vehicle license and insurance information. Try to obtain any witness' name and phone number. Note the location, time and date. Draw a sketch or if you have a camera, take pictures. If the damage is over $1,000 report to police. If it is under $1,500 seriously consider paying out of pocket or you will finance the accident over the next 6 years with increased premiums anyways. Keep notes of any medical issues as a result of the accident and go to the Dr. or Chiro etc. if required. Make sure you have loss of use coverage so when this does happen you have a rental vehicle while you wait for repairs. Make sure you have claimsaver coverage so your first accident is free. Call your broker or Insurance company and tell them the news....

[Sliver]

When filling out the police report, remember to note you could smell beer on the other driver's breath.

[troutman]

How are you all enjoying the cap? Premiums going up again.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/colu.../14411211.html

You see, the truth is the insurance rate board DOES NOT set about 45% of the cost of your premium because the provincial Tories don't want to let them.

On this near-half part of your premium, auto insurance companies can do what they want and they do.

[puckluck]

Originally Posted by troutman

How are you all enjoying the cap? Premiums went up again.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/colu.../14411211.html

I honestly feel like some of my rights were taken away from me because of the cap. Developed Osteoarthritis in my wrist because of a accident and $3200 dollars won't even pay for the Advil I have to take everyday for the rest of my life. It's not even so bad right now, but I can't imagine the pain when I get a little older.

My hands are everything in the work I do and if I cant use them then I'm screwed.