This article will give you helpful tips if you are involved in a collision.
- Never admit liability.
If you believe you were at fault in a collision, it is admirable to want to take responsibility, but an investigation needs to take place to make that determination. Even though you may feel you are at fault, the other person may also have a percentage of fault.
Admitting liability at the scene is a premature statement and can complicate an investigation and lead to unrealistic expectations of the other party.
If the 3rd party involved in the collision would like to pursue recovery of their damages, they are required to file a claim for damages form with the government entity involved per RCW 4.96.020. Have your entity’s form available on your website for easy access.
- Always exchange insurance information.
Getting the proper information at the scene of a collision makes an investigation go smoothly. It is important to get the following information:
- Call police
- Obtain contact information for all parties involved and witnesses.
- Information on vehicles Involved in the accident.
- Insurance details. You should obtain the insurance information for all drivers involved.
- Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage if it’s safe.
- If law enforcement does not respond, file a Collision Report.
Any driver, pedestrian, pedal cycle, or property owner involved in a collision within the state – with $1000 or more damage to any one unit and/or injury to any person – must submit a Motor Vehicle Collision Report within 4 days of the collision. However, if law enforcement investigates the collision, they will file a collision report, and you are not required to do so.
The collision report can be filed online at https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-safety/reporting-collision-damage
- Notify Enduris
We are here to help! There are two ways to notify Enduris of a new incident:
- You can always call 800-462-8418 and press 1 for claims.
- We have an online incident reporting form that can be accessed at https://www.enduris.us/claims/
~ Kim Lewis, Claims Associate