When to Report an Accident
It’s important to know whether or not an accident should be reported. Do you?
After a traffic collision, the safety of everyone involved is the top priority. Once everyone is safely accounted for, you have to worry about whether or not you should report the accident, and if so, to whom. The time after an accident can be overwhelming, so having an idea of what to do before an accident happens will help the process go faster and more smoothly.
The rest of the article should serve to guide you towards knowing whether or not to report an accident. If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes”, then you should report the accident to law enforcement.
Is Anyone Injured?
If anyone from any of the vehicles received an injury from the collision, it is in the best interest of all parties that the police be notified. You can call the Victoria Police Department’s non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, or dial 9-1-1. It is a good idea to save both these numbers into your phone in case of a collision.
Was it a Hit and Run?
While auto collisions are a lot to deal with, it is the responsibility of all parties to stick around for the process. If one party flees the scene, it is important to report the accident (regardless of injury or damage) to the police. Try to write down as much detail about the fleeing vehicle as possible, including license plate number, the type of vehicle, and its direction of travel. This information will help the police track down those who fled.
Is the Damage More Than $2,000?
If the collision only resulted in a very minimal amount of damage, you probably don’t need to report it to the police. However, if the damage to either car looks like it may exceed $2,000, then the accident should be reported. Once you report the accident, the police will give you a collision sticker to inform the body shop that the police have already been informed and they can begin the repair work.
What If the Damage is Small?
If your vehicle just suffered small dings, dents, scrapes, and gouges, we can fix it for you easily at Island Colour. Our team of professionals will have your vehicle looking great for far less than an auto body repair shop. Not only will you save money on the repairs themselves, but having the work done here will also keep your premiums from going up. If you have some minor repairs you’d like us to take a look at, don’t hesitate to give us a call.