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Steering clear of pitfalls if you get into an accident - October 24, 2009
It's important to plan ahead to avoid excessive towing charges and other dubious practices
Here is a cautionary tale that could save you time and money, if you're ever involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Rick, 22, was involved in a collision while driving his eight-year-old car.
Although no one was seriously injured in the crash, Rick's car suffered some major damage.
Since this was Rick's first accident, he was understandably shaken and didn't know the ins and outs of collision repairs.
In his emotional state, Rick made an error in judgment that cost him dearly.
By signing a waiver, he agreed to have his car towed to a collision centre recommended by a tow-truck driver at the scene.
The next day, Rick called the collision shop and said he wanted to transfer his car to his local car dealership.
The collision shop presented Rick with a bill for $968 for towing and storage fees, which didn't include repairs. Rick was outraged.
He either had to pay the fee or his car would remain impounded.
Rick had fallen victim to circumstances that were entirely avoidable. This post-accident scenario happens all too frequently in Ontario.
The tow-truck operator and collision centre had acted entirely in accordance with the law. It should be noted that tow-truck drivers provide an essential service on our roads and highways, and are often the first to arrive at accident scenes to lend assistance.
If Rick had been prepared, he would have instructed the tow-truck driver to take his vehicle to his local dealership. With a newer model, a free towing service may have been available through a roadside assistance program.
Rick wound up paying the $968 and got his vehicle repaired through his dealership. His story should serve as a reminder to all motorists of the importance of planning ahead when it comes to traffic accidents.
Decisions you make at an accident scene will determine the quality of repairs and the price you pay for those repairs.
With that in mind, here's a list of dos and donts to keep in mind if you ever find yourself involved in a traffic accident.
DO
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Move your vehicle to the side of the road or to a safe spot nearby, if it's safe to do so.
Call 911 if anyone is injured or if you suspect that drugs or alcohol may have played a factor in the accident.
Report the accident to the police if the total damage is more than $1,000. Police may instruct you to report to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours (416-745-3301).
Choose a collision repair shop that uses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are engineered to higher standards than non-OEM parts.
Have your vehicle towed to your home address, if you are unsure of where to have it repaired.
Have an accident worksheet handy, where you can record the location, road conditions and a description of the accident, as well as information about the other drivers, passengers and witnesses.
Notify your insurance provider as soon as conveniently possible after the accident.
DON'T
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Never flee the accident scene if your vehicle is involved. This will only compound your problems and lead to criminal charges against you.Refuse to sign any statements that assign blame or commit you to pay for damages.
Don't argue or get confrontational with other parties. Leave the explanations for the police and insurance provider.
Don't expect the police, tow-truck operator or accident personnel to give a referral about which collision repair facility to choose (bylaws prohibit this).
Don't agree to have your vehicle towed to a collision repair shop that you don't approve of.
For more information, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca and www.collisionontario.com.
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