Collision Reporting: 5 Car Mistakes That Could Cost You
A car crash is scary. It can feel confusing. Right after an accident, it’s easy to forget key steps. These steps can hurt your money, your legal rights, and your car insurance later. If you drive in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, you need to know about collision reporting. It helps keep you safe.
Many car crashes happen here. Over 100,000 car collisions happen in Alberta each year. This is reported by KMSC Law LLP, using facts from the Alberta Ministry of Transportation.
Source: KMSC Law LLP
So, knowing what to do is vital. Making mistakes can make a bad situation worse. At Reliant Insurance Brokers, we want you to understand how to protect yourself. Let’s look at 5 common car mistakes. These mistakes in collision reporting can cost you a lot.
After a Crash: Quick Tips for Smart Drivers
Even a small crash can become a big problem. Here are simple things to do right away:
- Be Safe: First, think of your safety and others. If you can, move to a safe spot.
- Stay Calm: Don’t panic. Take a deep breath. Focus on what you need to do.
- Know Your Rights: Learn what you must share at the scene. And what you don’t have to share.
Mistake 1: Not Telling Anyone About the Crash Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes in collision reporting is not telling the police or a crash center about it fast. This is very true if the damage is over $5,000 in Alberta. Or if someone is hurt. Even a small bump can hide serious damage you can’t see. Waiting to report makes your insurance claim harder. It can also cause problems later.
What to do instead: If people are hurt or cars are badly broken, call 911 right away. If no one is hurt and cars can still drive, go to a crash centre. Do this within 1 or 2 days. Always give correct information. Your insurance needs it. Good collision reporting makes your claim easy.
Car Insurance in Sherwood Park
Mistake 2: Saying It Was Your Fault at the Crash Site
When a crash happens, you might say “sorry.” Or you might try to explain things. But if you say it was your fault, the other driver’s insurance company can use this against you. This can happen even if it wasn’t truly your fault. This one mistake can make your insurance cost more. It can also make you responsible for the crash.
What to do instead: Share the facts. Give your name, phone number, license plate, and insurance info. Do not give your opinion. Let the police and insurance people decide based on what they find. This simple way helps with good collision reporting.
Mistake 3: Not Taking Enough Pictures or Notes
After a crash, you might feel stressed. You might forget important details. If you don’t get enough proof, your insurance claim can be weak. It will be harder to show what happened.
What to do instead:
- Take Pictures and Videos: If you do not have a dashcam, Use your phone. Take clear photos and videos of the crash site. Show all cars. Get license plates. Show the road, signs, and broken pieces. Take pictures of any injuries. Get both wide views and close-ups.
- Get Witness Info: Ask people who saw the crash for their names and phone numbers. What they saw can be very helpful.
- Get Police Report Details: Ask the police for the report number. Get the officer’s name and badge number. This is a key part of your collision reporting.
- Write Notes: Write down the date, time, place, and weather. Briefly write what happened. Do this when it’s safe.
Mistake 4: Not Seeing a Doctor After a Crash
You might feel fine right after a crash. But injuries can show up later. Things like neck pain (whiplash), head bumps, or inside injuries can appear hours or days later. If you don’t see a doctor, even for small pains, it can hurt your health. It can also stop you from claiming money for your injuries from your car insurance.
What to do instead: Always get checked by a doctor after a crash. Do this even if you feel fine. A doctor can find hidden injuries. They can also make a formal report. This report is very crucial for any injury claims. It makes your collision reporting stronger.
Mistake 5: Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Alone
The other driver’s insurance company might call you fast. They want to hear your story. They might seem nice. But their main goal is to help their client. They also want to pay out as little as possible. If you talk to them without knowing your rights, it can hurt your claim. You might say something wrong.
What to do instead: Always tell the other driver’s insurer to talk to your insurance company. Or to your lawyer. Your Reliant Insurance broker is here to help you. We work to protect you. We can guide you through all of your collision reporting and claims. We make sure you don’t say anything that could hurt your insurance or future money.
Your Questions About Car Accidents Answered
Here are some common questions about car crashes and collision reporting:
Q1: What should I do right after a car crash?
A: First, check if anyone is hurt. Then, if you can, move your car to a safe place. Turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 if someone is hurt or if there is major damage.
Q2: Do I need to call the police for a small bumper hit?
A: Not always. If no one is hurt and damage is small, you might go to a crash reporting center. In Alberta, you must report crashes if damage is over $5,000. Or if someone is hurt.
Q3: How does proper collision reporting help my car insurance?
A: Good collision reporting makes your insurance claim smoother. It helps your insurance company know what happened. This makes sure you get the right help for repairs and injuries.
Q4: What if I don’t have all the other driver’s information?
A: Get what you can. Their name, phone info, and license plate are key. If you can’t get it all, tell the police or crash center what you have. Also tell your Reliant Insurance broker.
Q5: Why should I pick Reliant Insurance for my car insurance in Edmonton or Sherwood Park?
A: Reliant Insurance Brokers are local experts. We help you find the best car insurance in Edmonton or Auto insurance in Sherwood Park. We guide you through claims and make sure you are safe on the road.
Conclusion:
Dealing with a car crash needs a clear head. You also need good help. Avoid these common mistakes in collision reporting. This will help protect your money. It will also make your insurance claim go smoothly.
Don’t wait for a crash to happen. Be ready now. Reliant Insurance Brokers has full car insurance in Edmonton and auto insurance in Sherwood Park. We make plans just for you. These plans give you the safety and calm you want. We know what drivers in our area need.
Are you looking for new insurance? Or do you want to check your current auto insurance Alberta plan? Our expert team is ready to help. We will help you learn about your choices. We make sure you have the right safety plan. This is true even before you think about collision reporting.
Get your peace of mind on the road. Call Reliant Insurance Brokers today. Get your own quote. Get expert advice for your car insurance in Edmonton or Sherwood Park.
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