What do you do if you are involved in a crash with another vehicle?
I saw this question asked and no answers.. Hopefully you folks can shed a bit o light here!


Scenarios:

No one is hurt and no one it to blame.. min property damage.
No one is hurt and both sides claim the other is responsible.. Substantial property damage.
no one is hurt and there is damage. I admit fault.. Am I responsible for damages?

Obviously if people are hurt the locals need to be called in. I assume they will assess a fault if there is one. I also assume if there is alcohol involved, that party will be at fault.?

What ifs..
What if you are hit causing damage but no injuries and the other person runs? what do you do? what can you do?
What if there are Injuries and they run?

anybody? C'mon.. hundreds of years worth of experience reads this board everyday.. anyone??

Ack! I got side-tracked. Are you talking about accidents on the streets or in the dunes? Either way the answers are pretty similar. By the way, I'm not dispensing advice, only expressing my opinions 8)

In my opinion, if



ALWAYS exchange information, no matter what. Keep a disposable camera in your glovebox for this kind of thing and take a picture, even if you can't see the damage. The reason is, plenty of times we've had clients get sued after shaking hands following a minor fender-bender and the crooks try to sue for damages that were never there.



NEVER admit responsibility -- "geez, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there" can translate into big money Follow the same rule as above, making sure you get full and complete information. Since damage is substantial, call the authorities so they will have to make a record. Either way, notify your insurance company immediately just in case he does the same and his insurance company comes after you.



Admit fault?? Ack! *faint* hehehe

Even if you are obviously at fault, don't say a word. But just in case you blurt it out, you're not automatically screwed... it will be up to a judge to decide if you're really at fault. If the authorities come out they may issue a citation, which could pretty much decide the issue, but there are ALWAYS mitigating circumstances (I'm sorry I hit him but he was wearing black, there was no moon, it was the dead of night and he threw himself i my path).



Actually, it's not their job to assess fault, above and beyond citations for broken laws. They only get "just the facts ma'am" and if and when it goes to court the judge/jury decides fault. Remember, mitigating circumstances. Things are not always as they seem, so don't rely on the police to figure it out for you. That disposable camera can be what turns the case. Will the drunken bum always be at fault? Not if he has a good lawyer.



A runner probably has no license and no insurance. Your insurance may still cover the damages, depending on your coverage. Or it could be a scared kid who's afraid of telling his folks... hope they have coverage. Do the obvious, that is, take down description, make, model, dents, scratches (officer, it was a blue car with a primer side panel). Always look around you for witnesses. The courrier on the bike sitting at the light. The barber standing in the doorway. Maybe they saw something you missed. CALL THE POLICE. Even if there is no damage, hit and run is a crime. They may not come out "sorry buddy, we can't help" but they will have to make a record of the call. If they refuse to come out, go to the nearest police station and make a report.



Dial 911 and then start doing the other things.

Along with the disposable camera (a worthy $5.00 investment), keep paper and a pencil in your glove box so you can start recalling details right away. Things get fuzzy when the police arrive.

Try to pay attention. Accidents rattle your brain and your nerves. Compare names on insurance cards versus drivers' licenses and make sure the dates are correct. If you are shown an expired insurance card or driver's license, you should call the authorities because it could this guy's just not legit and you'll be screwed if you let him get away. If you call the cops, just explain that you've been involved in a minor accident with a guy who has no current proof of insurance and an expired license.

If the other driver involved doesn't cooperate, be nice and polite and call the authorities. If you're embarrassed about it, tell him you're on the job and your employer requires it.

Vicki

Thanks..
I am refering to in the sand only.. But still good advice..

Of course you are, silly me...

Most people don't have insurance for their toys, and most people don't carry any ID out riding, which complicates the matter.

You should still try to get as much information as possible. If they don't have any paperwork with them (gee, what a shock), find out where they are camping and get it from them at their campsite. Get their full name, date of birth, and drivers license number (many people have that much memorized), and their address and telephone numbers. Write down the VIN number of the toy. Get a complete description of the driver and the toys, including stickers. Chances are when they're back at camp and laughing about getting away with something they won't think to strip their stickers off. Get descriptions of their friends and their toys. Get their info too.

If they run, note the direction and as much of a description as possible. Watch for witnesses. Keep in mind that out in the sand the authorities really won't be assessing any fault, only addressing the immediate situation, so don't expect anyone to point fingers. Sure, alcohol plays a role, but how much is up to the judge.

Assert yourself. Make sure the authorities take it as seriously as you have. Get the names, agency and badge number of the authorities who have helped you... they are witnesses too. Ask about getting a copy of the report, even if it is only going into their daily log.

If there is damage and/or injury involved and the guy runs, call the authorities as soon as possible. While you're waiting for them, write down everything you remember.

There are all kinds of ways to get satisfaction, even if the person is uninsured, so don't lose heart. You just have to be alert and aware, watching for clues (hey, the guy had a GotSands bag tied to his handlebars). Maybe you've seen him before... like a regular at Boardmanville?

If the guy runs and you decide to follow him, grab an officer on the way and stay out of the guy's camp. Trespassing rules do apply and you don't want to get into that mess.

Is that a little more helpful?

Vicki