http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...d=970599119419






wrote:
> Know your options after an accident
> Jul. 8, 2006. 01:00 AM
> ROBERT MCMILLAN
>
>
> I frequently hear stories from motorists who don't know their rights
> and end up making bad decisions after an accident.
>
> This column is not meant as a criticism against any of the individuals
> or businesses that motorists encounter after an accident such as
> collision repair shops, insurance companies or tow truck drivers.
>
>
> But there are occasions when unsuspecting drivers wind up in difficult
> positions. All drivers should be aware of their rights in the event
> that they find themselves in an accident.
>
> Here's a story of a true incident that happened last February.
>
> Jake had a minor auto accident on a busy highway in the GTA.
> Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured.
>
> A tow truck driver arrived on the scene within minutes. After
> determining that nobody was injured or required medical attention, the
> tow truck driver asked Jake where he wanted his vehicle towed.
>
> Jake said that it didn't matter. He signed a consent form that
> permitted the tow truck operator to transfer his car to a collision
> repair facility for repairs, and Jake's car was whisked away.
>
> In this instance, the tow truck driver acted responsibly and entirely
> within the law by providing a service that Jake had requested.
>
> Later that day, after talking with his insurance agent, Jake decided to
> have his car moved to his local new-car dealership. He had a
> relationship with his dealer and he felt comfortable with the quality
> of repairs and service that they would provide.
>
> As Jake soon discovered, there was a problem. When Jake informed the
> repair shop that he wanted his car transferred to his local dealership,
> he was presented with an invoice for towing, administration and storage
> fees.
>
> The bill came to $1,482. And no repairs were made!
>
> Jake was outraged and argued that these charges were unfair. But he had
> signed a consent form without knowing the ramifications of his actions.
> This reduced his options considerably. He had no choice but to pay the
> bill in full to have his car released.
>
> This kind of situation happens all too frequently in the GTA. If Jake
> had known his rights and his options before the accident, he could have
> avoided a costly and frustrating ordeal.
>
> When people are involved in auto accidents, emotions often run high.
> Drivers get upset and make irrational decisions that they may come to
> regret.
>
> But understanding their rights and obligations, and doing some
> homework, motorists can take control of their situations and make
> sensible decisions.
>
> In Jake's case, even if he didn't know where the repairs would be done,
> he could have advised the tow truck driver to take his car to an auto
> repair facility that he trusted - at least until he decided which
> course of action he wanted to take.
>
> If you're undecided, you have the right to have your vehicle sent to a
> Collision Reporting Centre, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a
> week.
>
> There are three such centres in the GTA.
>
> When your vehicle is at the reporting centre, you are allowed 24 hours'
> free storage, which allows you time to contact your insurance company
> and make arrangements to have your vehicle fixed.
>
> Most motorists who drive newer cars probably have some form of roadside
> assistance, which will provide a towing service to the nearest dealer
> for your vehicle's nameplate.
>
> Or motorists may be members of the Canadian Automobile Association,
> which provides free towing service.
>
> For those who don't have assistance plans, there are a number of things
> you should determine, at the scene, before making a decision. These
> include:
>
> Find out from the tow truck driver how much the tow will cost.
>
> Find out if there are any other charges.
>
> If you have to sign anything, make sure you're only consenting to
> towing the vehicle.
>
> Don't sign anything that allows a company to "tear down" or repair your
> vehicle.
>
> Find out if the tow truck has a municipal licence registration number
> (on its side).
>
> If a tow truck driver recommends a repair facility without first being
> asked, that could be deemed illegal under some municipal codes. Some
> operators may do this because they are paid a commission by the garage.
>
> If you don't know whether your insurance policy provides for towing,
> you should.
>
> Most drivers have probably never read their policies, but you need to
> know the conditions and declarations specified in them.
>
> When choosing a garage, your insurance company may recommend a facility
> that it knows. But if you prefer to use your local dealership, then the
> decision is yours to make.
>
> Insurance companies may also try to tell you that some of your repairs
> may not be covered, if you don't use one of their recommended repair
> shops. That's nothing more than a pressure tactic; don't be swayed or
> intimidated by it.
>
> Being involved in an auto accident is never a fun experience. It's
> upsetting, emotionally draining and time-consuming. Don't make things
> worse by being unprepared.
>
> The bottom line with accidents is this: Know your rights and options
> ahead of time and take control of your situation.
>
> Here are the Collision Reporting Centres in the GTA:
>
> North Collision Reporting Centre, 113 Toryork Dr., 416-745-1600
>
> East Collision Reporting Centre, 39 Howden Rd., 416-701-1600
>
> West Collision Reporting Centre, 855 Oxford St., 416-252-1200
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Robert McMillan, president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers
> Association, is a
>
> new-car dealer in the GTA. This column
>
> represents the views of TADA. Email:
>
> or visit http://www.tada.ca.