Re: Local rant from a minor car accident scene

Just got in a crash. Very minor. Lady sideswiped my front end and mushed up my front quarter pretty bad. Responding officer asks what happened and no dispute from me or her. Then he looks at my truck and says “that looks like it’s less than a $1000 to repair so you don’t have to have me file a report” I said ok are you going to write me a $1000 check so I can take it to the body shop? He got all mad and started being a jerk about writing a simple traffic accident report.

Just really got under my skin when he suggested I just drive away with a jacked up fender and not worry about it. Im not driving a beater either it’s a 2020 model and has no dents or scratches prior to this accident. Unreal….

junk yard tiger®

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Sep 20, 2023, 4:59 PM

When that happens do the following while police is on scene:

1. Tell police the insurance company will not cover you claim for damages w/ o an accident report being made. Say, " I'm sorry the insurance companies have delegated their claims work to the police. Looks like they have bought off the legislators but there's nothing you or I can do about it except vote them out. But, right now, that is not the solution to my getting my claim for damages paid. So, please do a simple accident report. l'm sure you would not want me paying for the damage to my vehicle caused by someone else.

2.If officer still refuses to do accident report, get his name, and badge number.

3. Tell officer that you need the following information from the other driver and for him to get it for you.
A. Driver full name and current address.

B. Driver license information such as DL # and state of DL.

C. VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL.

D. INSURANCE COMPANY NAME AND POLICY NUMBER IF KNOWN.

TELL OFFICER, YOU WILL BE HAPPY TO TAKE PICTURE OF THE OTHER DRIVER 'S LICENSE AND INSURANCE CARD AND VEHICLE REG. CARD IF THAT WILL SAVE TIME.

4. TAKE PIC OF DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE AND DAMAGE TO OTHER PERSON'S VEHICLE. TRY TO GET POLICE OFFICER IN PICTURE IF POSSIBLE.

File your claim and provide ins.co with info you have if no accident report is made.

On minor traffic accidents, esp. On pvt. Property, police do or do not make accident reports. In those jurisdictions where reports are not made, many police departments fill out an exchange of information form for each driver with the info I posted.

Insurance companies have screwed us by delegating their work on minor fender benders to the police. With the high cost of everything now , the minimum damage you will incurr is now $1000.

Be very careful in pkg. Lots. If you have an accident there, you are likely to not get an accident report by police who probably won't even respond unless there is an injury. And your insurance company will pay your claim but charge you the deductible and raise your rate.