Victims of vehicle damage unfairly treated by the system

By Lethbridge Herald on November 2, 2022.

Editor:

For those drawn into a relatively minor fender bender at no fault of their own, too many are made aware of a consistently overlooked blindspot in the current system of settling the matter, one that constitutes a failure to protect the basic interests of the innocent.

Penalties are possibly imposed upon anyone reporting said matter to proper authorities – real or in the form of a threat to increased insurance premiums.

 Moving forward, said record would aid in securing a mutually agreed upon settlement between the vehicle owners.

The significance is embedded in the divisive attitude taken by all too many occupants of some offending vehicles, coupled with the aftermath of not owning up to the situation – offering zero compensation towards the repairs caused by the mishap.

Natural obligations come hand-in-hand with motor vehicle ownership and traffic operations. 

Currently, however, the avenues of recourse available to no-fault drivers are blocked.  This, if and when, those responsible for the mishap respond by ghosting efforts to bring about a satisfactory settlement (the damage sustained not severe enough to warrant a costly insurance claim but the arranging of a slot with a reputable auto body repair shop for cosmetic reasons).

Consider how being left with a constant visual reminder of someone else’s error in judgment is neither the right expectation nor a fair outcome.

With absolutely no culpability to the minor mishap, the expense of paying for repairs tends to leave an ugly taste in one’s mouth (swallowed away with some ease if made aware that changes are imminent). Changes that would no longer penalize the innocent and hold the occupants and/or owners of the offending vehicle monetarily responsible without involving a costly insurance claim for a minor mishap.

The solution to this long-standing problem may be rooted in the demerit system already approved and in place to denote infractions.

In those circumstances, where a mutually agreed upon settlement fails to gain traction between the vehicle owners involved, within a set time frame a specialized demerit is imposed upon the owners of the offending vehicle.

The specialized demerit then remains on the file until said agreement is both finalized and signed off on by all parties. With the creation and execution complete there would be no harm/no foul in putting the matters in the rearview mirror. Again without the involvement of a costly insurance claim.

Shawn Penney

Lethbridge