Got into a car accident today, just wondering...

jamblix · #1 03-28-2013

So, I'm approaching an intersection, the light is still green and turns yellow RIGHT as I enter. Meaning the light would have still been yellow once I was all the way through. Some idiot tried to make a left turn before I was through and I hit him pretty hard. Tried to break and swerve, but there was no way of avoiding collision.

I'm pretty sure he is 100% at fault here, but I did not get a police statement. My first accident ever so I wasn't sure exactly what to do. I got all his info, insurance policy number, drivers license, license plate, phone number and I called my insurance company on the spot.

My question is, is there any way he can turn this around on me because there was no police statement? I hit him on his right front bumper so it's fairly obvious that he was the one trying to make a left turn no? The bumper of my car was totally torn off, the front right headlights were crushed and pretty big damage to the front of my car overall.

He seemed to know he was at fault, said sorry and whatnot, but you never know with people. Just wondering if I should have got a police report...

(edit: Woops, thought I opened this in the everything else section, unless a mod moved it here, well please move this to whichever section you think is appropriate)

moneyhustler88 · #2 03-28-2013

In my opinion police reports are always better. Especically when dealing with insurance companies or you ask the person to sign a piece of paper there and then admitting fault with their name address and signature and take a picture of their driving licence as evidence. But that's me myself. Hopefully he's honest and i wish you the best of luck with resolving it. I've had a few accidents myself and know how stressful it can be! I hope you get it sorted (Y)

Sandy D · #3 03-28-2013

My question is are you ok?

jamblix · #4 03-28-2013

Yes, everyone was fine. Unless I wake up tomorrow and my neck and back are all screwed up hope not...

Nobody's airbags were deployed surprisingly, the collision was pretty strong. Wonder how hard you have to hit something for them to deploy.

moneyhustler88 · #5 03-28-2013

Good to hear your ok

GreenBean · #6 03-28-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamblix

Yes, everyone was fine. Unless I wake up tomorrow and my neck and back are all screwed up hope not...

Nobody's airbags were deployed surprisingly, the collision was pretty strong. Wonder how hard you have to hit something for them to deploy.

Phew, glad you are OK. However, expect some reaction within 36 hours because of the impact. Fingers crossed it is very minor, jamblix. x

Airbag deployment often depends on the make of auto.

Double check your state legislation. Most states allow the filing of a police report within a nominated time frame.
This usually is two tiered....
If the there is property damage to a certain amount, then a police report must be filed.
If there is damage to person(s), then a police report is also needed.

Two suggestions: either call your local station & ask them. Or speak to your insurance company to get their advise.

I would probably go for the Police option. (I like men in uniform

)

Again, hope you are really OK, my friend. (pm sent too)

zoneout · #7 03-29-2013

You should have gotten a police report. Why didnt one show up? They are never around when you need em. The guy making the left turn probably would have received a ticket for not waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. Would have made your case stronger - in the event you dont have coverage for collision you would need to go after him to pay for your damages.

Futuremogul888 · #8 03-29-2013

Definitely should have gotten a police report. Everyone is always sorry at the scene until they have time to sit down and think about how they can flip the story to serve their own self interest. Also you should have got some witness phone numbers. Most of the time people will give out there info if you tell them you may pay them a few dollars to testify in court with you.

You shouldn't have much to worry about though. Insurance companies have been doing this for a long time and have all the experts. They should be able to piece together exactly what happened. But not always.

Also Jamblix, always go to the hospital after a hard crash even if you feel fine. The adrenaline of such an accident often masks the extent of your injuries. It is always good just to get checked out. Better for you to waste 2 hours in the emergency room and them to tell you all is well, then to not go and to find out at home that you had a developing situation the whole time.

planes · #9 03-29-2013

Insurance companies can tell from damage to both cars who was at fault. Left turners always have to yield to oncoming traffic. Impact from angles causes damages at different on both cars. Next time take pictures of the cars, hopefully in their impact stance.

rsot · #10 03-30-2013

Glad to hear you are ok jambs. planes is correct - insurance company can see from impact and analysis what has happened...hope it does not happen again but this kind of worry is why a police statement is good. Hope everything works out bud.

GreenBean · #11 03-30-2013

Hope it gives you a wakeup call too rsot.

Boasting about speeding at 140 mph AND using the cell phone for the sake of posting

Speed Kills. You should rethink things.

rsot · #12 03-30-2013

Thanks for the tip but I do enough driving to know my boundaries - no lecture needed

What happens will happen but we all hope for the best.

And what you call 'boasting' I call an explanation

but no problems - I will stop posting what I do to avoid confusion.

It wasnt 140 mph - it was 140 km per hour - big difference

GreenBean · #13 03-30-2013

Is it not law in Canada to not drive and use a cell phone?

It was made law here.

It was friendly advice.... take it or leave it.

rsot · #14 03-30-2013

Thanks for the advice then - understood.

Pasicel · #15 03-30-2013

Not too long ago, suv hit the side of my car, just a little dent.
I was too nice, he was a handicapped fella, and I didn't make a police report.
He agreed and paying everything, bla bla bla.
He disappeared ,I contacted a lawyer & they weren't able to get his information because he had a handicapped plate.

Never trust a random person,they're sorry at the spot but when they go home and rethink everything over, anything can happen. I wish you the best & glad you're okay.