Car was in a crash

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Life hits you hard sometimes. This time it hit in the form of a Ford Escape going through a red light.....

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So on Friday the 30th, I was exiting the 401 at Progress Rd in Scarborough, heading straight into the Wal-Mart. As I began to accelerate into the intersection when the light turned green, this SUV came at full road speed into the intersection and hit directly into my car's fender. Luckily no airbags went off.

She came out crying and sorry, but scared she would be charged with running a red (she was around 35), I said we're going to the collision reporting center. I called police but they said they are not going to come to the scene because no one was injured, EVEN though the damage exceeded $1,000. She asked if we can just go to a body shop and she'll pay for the damaged, I said no I want insurance to get involved. So she called her friend over to help, who was quite rude, and said we should just say it happened in the parking lot to avoid her getting a ticket. What a total b****. Like seriously? Why would I lie and say something that was not be covered by insurance? I'm not stupid. She called her insurance and told them she ran a red light and hit someone, yet my insurance refused to pay any of the tow/rental car costs until they get proof who is at fault (they later called her and she admitted to fault).

Anyway, my car was towed to the insurance's body shop on their recommendation, but after some deliberation I decided I don't know what goes on behind those doors and I wanted someone I trusted more to work on my car. So I had the car towed to Mazda of Toronto and dealt with their service department (the last time I ever entered Mazda of Toronto was 3 years ago to test drive a Mazda3). So now the car is in their hands.




By the way, a MASSIVE thanks goes over to Mazda of Toronto. They were extremely courteous, caring, and accommodating, even though I didn't buy my car from them (sorry for drinking so much coffee lol, I was up all night). I'm very happy with the quality of attention I got from that dealership and will return my business with them, along with recommendations.











So, without further adieu, here is the damage to my car. I wish I can say "it's not as bad as it looks", but the damage extends to the drive-train (the wheel bearing was crushed), as well as structural damage as the chassis leg is bent.

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012915.jpg
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012914.jpg
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012918.jpg
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012920.jpg
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012921.jpg
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012922.jpg
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012913.jpg



Her car
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012916.jpg



Sadness
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...3302012924.jpg

Sorry that this happened

I hope you went to a collission centre to file the accident claim.

This could actually be considered shared fault as you entered the intersection when unsafe.

Wow, glad you're ok though. I can't believe the police didn't show up. From what I understand is that they should be there at least to mediate, just to avoid possible tensions and to see that nobody's hurt, etc.

Good decision on not agreeing with the b****. Scratches on a parking lot, I can go with a private deal as long as nothing major is affected. But an accident caused by somebody running a red light, I'd be pissed (but will try to hold my temper), and would definitely want the police to be involved.

I hope the car gets fixed to original spec. Good idea on bringing it over to MOT. I would have done the same (bringing it to a trusted shop).

Possibly considering the other person admitted the claim once she called her insurance. Sucks to see your baby get nailed like that. Hope you're alright tho!

ouch man... good thing it is all being taken care of well though and you are all right

Glad to hear you're ok and that MOT will look after you. Glad you stuck to your guns and decided to place a claim with your insurance company. I hate it when the person at fault tries not to dealt with the insurance company. She's a shitty driver period and prb shouldn't have been driving to begin with.

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Originally Posted by rzapata

Wow, glad you're ok though. I can't believe the police didn't show up. From what I understand is that they should be there at least to mediate, just to avoid possible tensions and to see that nobody's hurt, etc.

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Are the police suppose to show up for ALL accidents? I don't know the laws here but in Manitoba when I got hit from behind, I took down the guys information, reported it to the police, got an report number and then dealt with the insurance end of it.

Damn, that sucks. Glad you're okay.

Like I said when I saw your car.

It could have been worse, having a branded car is better than having a limp for the rest of your life...

Damn can't trust anyone to stop at a red anymore, good to hear nobody got hurt

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Originally Posted by DumpInfo

Possibly considering the other person admitted the claim once she called her insurance.

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For all you know - she couldve been talking to her BF on the phone.

CYA - ALWAYS file a report at the collision centre.

ohh man, I'm glade your okay. Sorry to see what happened in your car. Collisions are bad for everyone, even if it wasn't your fault but you still have your health and in my opinion that's the best thing to save.

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Originally Posted by Default User

Sorry that this happened

I hope you went to a collission centre to file the accident claim.

This could actually be considered shared fault as you entered the intersection when unsafe.

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I think that clause only applies when you are turning left and get smoked by someone running a red light. I don't think it applies when you're driving straight. I could be wrong.

glad to hear there was no damage to you. cars can be mended and made like new, body parts not so much. i'm surprised the cops didn't show up given the extent of the damage and the fact that she ran a red light.

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Originally Posted by yearoftherat

Are the police suppose to show up for ALL accidents? I don't know the laws here but in Manitoba when I got hit from behind, I took down the guys information, reported it to the police, got an report number and then dealt with the insurance end of it.

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Not at all times AFAIK. I think there's a certain amount of property damage when they'll actually show up. Depends of how bad the incident is.

Glad to hear no one was injured. You definitely made the right decision by both reporting the accident as well as bringing it to Mazda of Toronto.

.....and yes the police should have responded to the call nonetheless.

Thanks for all the support and feedback guys :D

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Originally Posted by -cj-

I think that clause only applies when you are turning left and get smoked by someone running a red light. I don't think it applies when you're driving straight. I could be wrong.

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We are told through work that when we enter an intersection from a stopped position, we need to make sure that said intersection is cleared (by counting 1-2-3) before we start advancing. The police see it as not making sure that it is safe to proceed. Now, if the traffic light has been green for sometime or the car ahead of you has proceeded through the intersection and you get t-boned then the other driver would be deemed as running a red light.

no redlight camera at that intersection?

Glad you (and the other driver) are ok.

Also I don't know if you knew this or not when asking for tow to MOT, but their body shop, Linwood Motors, is top notch. I had my door replaced there last year out of pocket and am still happy with the work.

If you get a chance, stop by and talk to Kirk or Eileen for a tour and explanation of what needs to be done.

Ontario Insurance Fault Determination Rules

15. (1) This section applies with respect to an incident that occurs at an intersection with traffic signals. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 668, s. 15 (1).

(2) If the driver of automobile “B” fails to obey a traffic signal, the driver of automobile “A” is not at fault and the driver of automobile “B” is 100 per cent at fault for the incident. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 668, s. 15 (2).

(3) If it cannot be established whether the driver of either automobile failed to obey a traffic signal, the driver of each automobile shall be deemed to be 50 per cent at fault for the incident. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 668, s. 15 (3).

(4) If the traffic signals at the intersection are inoperative, the degree of fault of the drivers shall be determined as if the intersection were an all-way stop intersection. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 668, s. 15 (4).

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Originally Posted by zzz3

Glad you (and the other driver) are ok.

Also I don't know if you knew this or not when asking for tow to MOT, but their body shop, Linwood Motors, is top notch. I had my door replaced there last year out of pocket and am still happy with the work.

If you get a chance, stop by and talk to Kirk or Eileen for a tour and explanation of what needs to be done.

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Yea, I was told by MoT, I actually spoke with Kirk when the car was taken to Linwood, he was very good. Normally I have a "Do Not Trust Other Mechanics" policy, but I felt comfortable that the car was in good hands.

wow, glad your ok. Hope everything works out.

ha. parking lot, what a joke some people..Sure Sucks man! but glad your ok, keep us updated for the status when you know anything!

im surprised the cops didnt come out, usually they come for any accidents. at least i didnt think they could decline to show up because no one was hurt as i thought you need to report every accident and they need to write it up.. :S

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Originally Posted by rzapata

Not at all times AFAIK. I think there's a certain amount of property damage when they'll actually show up. Depends of how bad the incident is.

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Incidents over $1,000 in total damage need to be reported to the police. Anything less, no.

Two questions.

1. What happens if you don't report an incident over $1,000? Does anyone actually care? If a cop just drives by and asks, couldn't you just say 'yeah we reported it'? Just out of curiosity.

2. Is there any chance that even if she's 100% at fault, your insurance will still go up?

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Originally Posted by Gloomfrost

Two questions.

1. What happens if you don't report an incident over $1,000? Does anyone actually care? If a cop just drives by and asks, couldn't you just say 'yeah we reported it'? Just out of curiosity.

2. Is there any chance that even if she's 100% at fault, your insurance will still go up?

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The answer for number 2 is yes depending on what kind of policy you have.

As for your first question, I don't know what happens or whether they care to be honest. I had over $1,000 damage on my old car once when it spun into a rally-style drift on me and caused me to run into 2 curbs....I just paid the CAA driver an extra $100 to tow it to the local mechanic as it was like 4am and I had no desire to file a police report as the accident was due to my own stupidity.

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Originally Posted by Gloomfrost

Two questions.

1. What happens if you don't report an incident over $1,000? Does anyone actually care? If a cop just drives by and asks, couldn't you just say 'yeah we reported it'? Just out of curiosity.

2. Is there any chance that even if she's 100% at fault, your insurance will still go up?

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1. it's not a huge problem as sometimes it's a hard time to judge if it's over $1000. As long as you report it that is all that matters. If it's a big accident then I would call the police.

2. No it shouldn't. It it's 100% the other parties fault, your insurance will not go up.

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Originally Posted by Impressive

The answer for number 2 is yes depending on what kind of policy you have.

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What kind of policy would that be? I have never heard of that. Just curious that's all.

For my #2 point, I've heard the same thing before multiple times. That's why insurance is such a scam in most places. If they pay out, it goes on your record so when you renew or switch insurance companies, they charge a premium.

Remember, insurance companies prefer you stay home and not drive at all. But of course, own an insured vehicle. That's why in the U.S. (or on U.S. television, elderly people are always targeted so much!)

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Originally Posted by Gloomfrost

For my #2 point, I've heard the same thing before multiple times. That's why insurance is such a scam in most places. If they pay out, it goes on your record so when you renew or switch insurance companies, they charge a premium.

Remember, insurance companies prefer you stay home and not drive at all. But of course, own an insured vehicle. That's why in the U.S. (or on U.S. television, elderly people are always targeted so much!)

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Of course every place is different but think about it like this. You are driving properly down the street, someone blows a stop sight from a side street and slams into you. That is 100% their fault. There is absolutely no way you would have your insurance go up for that claim. It wouldn't make any sense.

You only are penalized if you are found less than 100% not at-fault. So in a sense any percentage at-fault.

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Originally Posted by cwp_sedan

2. No it shouldn't. It it's 100% the other parties fault, your insurance will not go up.

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I heard... that although your premium may not go up, they may drop you for having too much not-at-fault claim in a short period (2-3 claim in a 1-2 year period.. i heard). Anyone know if this is true?

Glad your ok! I used to exit there all the time.

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Originally Posted by cwp_sedan

What kind of policy would that be? I have never heard of that. Just curious that's all.

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You're right I misread his question and didn't see the 100% at fault part. I thought he was referred to simply claiming an accident through insurance.

I have TWO not-at-faults (both 100%) and my insurance has NEVER gone up. It has actually gone DOWN $122 a month on my MS3.

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Originally Posted by cwp_sedan

Of course every place is different but think about it like this. You are driving properly down the street, someone blows a stop sight from a side street and slams into you. That is 100% their fault. There is absolutely no way you would have your insurance go up for that claim. It wouldn't make any sense.

You only are penalized if you are found less than 100% not at-fault. So in a sense any percentage at-fault.

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but remember, just b/c the police find party B at fault, the insurance company may find that party A may have contributed to the accident (by the ins. co's rules), and find party A partially at fault.

many people think that if the other driver was charged, and you werent, then the ins. co' will not find you at fault.

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Originally Posted by rukus

but remember, just b/c the police find party B at fault, the insurance company may find that party A may have contributed to the accident (by the ins. co's rules), and find party A partially at fault.

many people think that if the other driver was charged, and you werent, then the ins. co' will not find you at fault.

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insurance company fault determination must follow the Insurance Fault Determination Rules (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/reg...s_900668_e.htm)

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Originally Posted by Impressive

Incidents over $1,000 in total damage need to be reported to the police. Anything less, no.

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Definitely true; however when the heck does any vehicle collision not result in damages under $1000? lol

Vehicle body damage repair is so freaking expensive that most repair are above that price. About 10 years ago, someone scratched my Integra and it was about two inches long, located on the front bumper. Even that surface scratch cost $800 to repair.

Car is with Linwood auto, sent by Mazda of Toronto. So far, no mechanical damage is known. Looks like I'll have the rental for a while longer, I miss driving 5-speed lol.

As an update; the car's body work has been fixed up nice, saw it today. The car still needs an alignment and any mechanical issues looked at. I'm going to be test driving it to see if I like the results either friday or sometime next week :)

sucks to hear

Good to hear everything is good.

Those 2 intersections (Milner and Markham, and Progress and Markham) are a real pain in the ass. I would have called the cops back and told them the person is trying to pull a scam on the spot they are only around the corner, (just north of milner and markham)