First of all - no making fun of my art, I made it to show my brother!
I am the black car
red car - white guy
golden car - white lady
Okay so here is what happend. I was trying to take a left on a one-way road and I assumed that there was a stop sign on the other side as well (because there was one of my side). So I started to turn thinking those people coming would have to stop since they have a stop sign but they didnt. So the red car turned to his right, causing him to hit the golden car which was right beside him.
Nothing happend to my car, and the other two cars got a huge scratch (but no real damage). By Canadian Law you’re to report these incidents withen 48 hours, but it was 7:30 in the morning and I assume they were rushing for work. The guy suggested to me that “why don’t you just pay for our repairs so that way we don’t have to take the issue to the police” and I didn’tknwo what I should do since I’ve never had an issue come up like this one. We all took each others numbers and they left and I was supposed to contact them. It is my fault because my turn caused him to turn and hit the other car.
I told my brother what happend and he said that by law (he went to school for police foundation) I am not guilty and I am not expected to report since I haven’t hit anyone, nor should I have to pay themfor their car repairs. Now my brother left for Pakistan so I don’t know
Regardless, it’s been over a week and none of them have contacted me and I don’t know what to do. I feel guilty because it was my mistake.
Should I call them or just keep my mouth shut?
**I think your bro is NOT right. If you called teh police at the scene, the officer would have settled right there. now, if u're found to be a contributory factor in the accident, then you'll be held responsible for the damages. the key here is: you can NOT assume things while driving. you must have been sure about the stop sign.
If the you don't pay as per your verbal agreement at the site of accident, they may take you to the court. you'll have a chance to prove yourself innocent there.**
Your fault IMO. You should have at least paused and looked before turning if there was stop sign on your side. Instead you assumed there was a stop sign on their side and in the process you did not stop yourself. Stopping and looking before turning is a basic rule that we all follow instinctively, those people were heading straight so they had right of way.
^ I agree that it was 100% my fault for not checking for their stop sign. If I hadn't turned then the car wouldn't have hit the other car.
My brother told me that although it was my fault, I can't be held responsible for their damage because they should also be aware of stopping if they see a car turning (I know it doesn't sound right).
The guy asked me to pay for the repairs and I didn't disagree, so why haven't they called? could they take me to court for this after?
Oh and the reason that I wouldn't report to the police is because I am considered a witness of the accident. I wasn't a part of the actual damage, therefore they are not interested in my report (from what he says)
I feel guilty
I have worked for claims at one of the insurance company here. And you might be cause of the accident between two people but legally you cannot be held responsible for whatever happened between other two cars. It is good human instinct to feel guilty but the reason they haven't contacted you is because their insurance companies perhaps would have told them NOT to blame your accident on someone and get away with even tiny scratch. OR OR, both of other cars are getting repaired on their own. At this time according to law, you are only a witness so they might be looking for you to say something. Let me know, i can assist you further.
it seems to me that they were going straight...but since you came in front of them..the red car guy had to avoid hitting you...in turn causing him to hit the orange car...
I have worked for claims at one of the insurance company here. And you might be cause of the accident between two people but legally you cannot be held responsible for whatever happened between other two cars. It is good human instinct to feel guilty but the reason they haven't contacted you is because their insurance companies perhaps would have told them NOT to blame your accident on someone and get away with even tiny scratch. OR OR, both of other cars are getting repaired on their own. At this time according to law, you are only a witness so they might be looking for you to say something. Let me know, i can assist you further.
Yeah thats what my brother said as well, except the guy in the red car (who hit the other car) said to me "since it is your fault, you can pay for the repairs" neither of them have contacted me and it's been two weeks. I'm worried that some time later police or these people may contact me and I could be in trouble for not getting in touch.
Is that possible?
it seems to me that they were going straight...but since you came in front of them..the red car guy had to avoid hitting you...in turn causing him to hit the orange car...
Legally you might not be at fault but only police can comment on that but If it was not a huge damage (read under 1000$), then call other drivers and get it resolved. Believe me you dont want such a small issue going to insurance which in turn might raise your insurance rate for next 3 year. You do that math
My answer (although I live in the US) is similar to KKF and other posters.
I think the police would have most likely issued you a traffic citation for causing the accident.
I know first hand of a very similar situation where the original driver was cited even though they corrected their car quickly however the oncoming traffic acted with overreflexes and hit someone else.
However I don't believe you are responsible for their "damage" since it is not your car that hit any other car.
So as others suggested, you have two choices:
1. Forget it, and make a sadaqah in a local charity of your choice and thank God that He saved you from material loss and also taught you a lesson.
2. Call the drivers of the other vehicle and try to settle for some consolatory compensation so long as they don't report to police. Reporting to police and insurance only pays the govt. Giving to the ones who had a loss due to you is more worthy since they were wronged due to your mistake.
Personally being neutral I would suggest no 2. over no 1. No 1 I think is more of an escapist mindset which I believe you are not from reading your original post.
Yeah thats what my brother said as well, except the guy in the red car (who hit the other car) said to me "since it is your fault, you can pay for the repairs" neither of them have contacted me and it's been two weeks. I'm worried that some time later police or these people may contact me and I could be in trouble for not getting in touch.
Is that possible?
If they went to claims they would have notified your insurance company and in turn, your insurance company would have contacted you in writing within 7 business days. If they didn't then don't bother. BUT keep track of your insurance premium though just in-case.
