Accident scenario, what to do?

[wheee1209]

Hey,

Here's the scenario, and it would be great to hear what you guys think of it...

Riding down a curved road, a squirrel ran across during the curve, hits it, and goes onto gravel and slides out. Wasn't going too fast (like 40?) but rider ends up off the bike, and bike slides and ends up against the guard-rail.

Rider is fine, minor scrapes, so that's good.
Bike on the other hand is not so good. Front fork is bent, handle bars are bent, lots of scratches on the bike obviously. Very rudimentary estimate to fix is $2000 bucks.

Bike is a black CBR250, (was) very mint condition and bought just above $4000 .

Insurance has comprehensive coverage but no collision. What are the options?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Macs]

Insurance companies will consider a collision where you strike a (live) animal as a comprehensive *not at fault* claim. However, if you hit an animal that's already dead on the road, it's a collision *at fault* claim. The issue would be proving the squirrel was alive when you hit it, you probably would've needed an accident report taken at the spot where the cop backs you up on your story or at least has it in writing.

I have that info from my adjuster for The Personal. Currently going through a claim for a family member's car that smoked a deer. Mind you I have no idea if not having collision coverage would work against you anyway

 

[wheee1209]

Insurance companies will consider a collision where you strike a (live) animal as a comprehensive *not at fault* claim. However, if you hit an animal that's already dead on the road, it's a collision *at fault* claim. The issue would be proving the squirrel was alive when you hit it, you probably would've needed an accident report taken at the spot where the cop backs you up on your story or at least has it in writing.

I have that info from my adjuster for The Personal. Currently going through a claim for a family member's car that smoked a deer. Mind you I have no idea if not having collision coverage would work against you anyway

If no cop was involved, just a tow truck, then how does one go about proving it or disproving it?

 

[Macs]

In all honesty one shot him/herself in the foot by not making an accident report on the spot. If one is within 48-72 hours get to a collision reporting centre, report the collision. HOWEVER, if one reports a collision insurance may not believe it and STILL deem it an at-fault accident and up goes one's premium.

 

[Dresden]

Insurance companies will consider a collision where you strike a (live) animal as a comprehensive *not at fault* claim. However, if you hit an animal that's already dead on the road, it's a collision *at fault* claim. The issue would be proving the squirrel was alive when you hit it, you probably would've needed an accident report taken at the spot where the cop backs you up on your story or at least has it in writing.

I have that info from my adjuster for The Personal. Currently going through a claim for a family member's car that smoked a deer. Mind you I have no idea if not having collision coverage would work against you anyway

Be very careful of insurance advice.

"[h=2]How does your insurance company assess fault?[/h]Someone is always determined to be “at fault” in an automobile accident, whether partially or completely. Insurance companies must determine the degree of fault to be assigned to each driver to ensure the at-fault driver’s premiums are adjusted appropriately."

[h=2]How do police charges or convictions affect your insurance company’s decision?[/h]If police don’t file charges, it doesn’t necessarily mean the insurance companies investigating the circumstances of the accident will not find one or more of the drivers involved at fault.

[h=2]How does an at-fault accident affect me?[/h]You can be anywhere from 100% to 0% at fault. Any driver who is more than 0% at fault will have an “at-fault” accident on his or her insurance record.
If you are found at fault for any percentage of the accident, your premium may go up on renewal. However, some companies allow you to maintain your driving record or premium after your first at-fault accident. To confirm your company’s approach and how your rates will be affected, check with your insurance representative.

http://www.ibc.ca/en/car_insurance/on/no_fault.asp


Just because the police do not charge you, does not mean that the insurance company will not blame you. Your rates will likely rise as a result!

 

[Stephen W.]

I can’t comment on dead vs. live animals but I can tell you that if you crash while swerving to avoid hitting something or someone it’s going to be on you. However, if you strike an object that you can trace back and prove where it came from (like a section of scaffolding falling off a specific truck) you will have no problems. But in all these scenarios you have to have reported the crash.
I’m not sure if anything has changed but years ago officers would assign blame especially if there were no charges laid.

 

[klr_guy]

Be very careful of insurance advice.

Just because the police do not charge you, does not mean that the insurance company will not blame you. Your rates will likely rise as a result!

You should follow your own advice. Macs post was accurate - if you hit a live animal, it doesn't affect your insurance. I smoked a deer and the insurer made it very clear that whether it was alive or dead in the road was a crucial difference. Alive and running - no insurance increase, no hassle, if I'd hit an already dead deer in the road, it would've been a different outcome.

 

[wheee1209]

You should follow your own advice. Macs post was accurate - if you hit a live animal, it doesn't affect your insurance. I smoked a deer and the insurer made it very clear that whether it was alive or dead in the road was a crucial difference. Alive and running - no insurance increase, no hassle, if I'd hit an already dead deer in the road, it would've been a different outcome.

If the bike is already towed away, and no cops were involved, then the rider will need to bring the bike via tow truck to the collision center to get it inspected and a report generated before a claim is made eh?

So I'm guessing that it's up to the police then and there to determine what happened and who's to blame? They're not going to be able to determine much tho I'm guessing... sure there's some blood and fur on the tire, but that could mean anything (ie. dead animal or live animal).

 

[Dresden]

You should follow your own advice. Macs post was accurate - if you hit a live animal, it doesn't affect your insurance. I smoked a deer and the insurer made it very clear that whether it was alive or dead in the road was a crucial difference. Alive and running - no insurance increase, no hassle, if I'd hit an already dead deer in the road, it would've been a different outcome.

My post wasn't in response to Macs... that was an error... i have no issue with what he (or you for that matter) said.


Having recently been involved in an auto accident, you will be amazed at the number of so called "experts" that crawl out of the woodwork.

 

[meester_jamie]

If the bike is already towed away, and no cops were involved, then the rider will need to bring the bike via tow truck to the collision center to get it inspected and a report generated before a claim is made eh?
.

I would guess the same,, but be ready for a big lecture.. as you obviously didn't know you couldn't leave the scene without calling police.. and just assumed you could attend the CRC .. <wink> right!

The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario requires that all collisions involving injury or death, or where the damage apparently exceeds $1,000.00 (combined) or where there is damage to highway property must be reported to the police forthwith.”

 

[GreyGhost]

Be very careful here, hitting the guardrail (municipal property) and leaving without reporting the accident could be considered a hit and run.