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Hits, Runs, and Social Media.

A few nights ago my neighbour came across the street to inform me that another vehicle had hit my parked truck at a speed of about 50 km per hour. I’m not really sure if injuries occurred, as the driver quickly backed up, turned the headlights lights off to conceal the licence plate, and sped off into the night. Although my Ford F150 truck is sturdy, some parts of truck were jolted ahead more than a foot, while other parts remained in place.

My neighbour heard the collision and noted the hit and run driver was in a minivan. The police offered several comments, however the chances of catching this person was slim to none. I couldn’t help but think about the personal violation and the personal cost to me based on someone else’s actions.

While the “hit” may not have been intentional, the “run” was definitely on purpose.  

The next morning I searched the neighbourhood for a damaged van, but the effort was fruitless. I was almost dizzy from circling all the streets and courts.

I had placed a comment on social media as a passive effort to spread the search. And then to my surprise a friend sent me a note that said “I saw a minivan that fits your description… damage on the front passenger side.” Apparently the minivan was out for a morning coffee with its driver. My Facebook friend actually drove several streets before he found the “now” parked car. We had an address, and a license plate. I collected a coloured piece of plastic from under my truck and matched it to the run-away van. The police followed up, obtained a confession, and charges were laid.  

Notwithstanding the shape of my truck, I’m glad this all worked out in the end. I’m no longer responsible for my own deductible, and my truck will get fixed. The driver (while physically OK) is currently in a worse position than they had been was a few days ago.

The lesson (besides not parking on the street)? Accidents happen, yet Character is not what you do in good times, character is what you do in times of stress. And “running away” never helps anyone, especially when social medial is close at hand. Remember the expression “dash away, dash away, dash away all”, is for reindeer.

If you are in Nova Scotia and would like some insurance advice, please contact Corry Collins:
corry@maritimewealth.com
902-444-7000

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Comments

  1. Anonymous26 January 2016 at 13:30

    It funny,in a way, to think that you have suffered once and the other person has gained twice.
    You have a damaged truck. Whoever did it has escaped being identified (a gain) and also has gained the knowledge that he/she lacks integrity.
    What is not understood, by the driver, is that unconscious knowledge will haunt for ever and will in some small way 'get' them.

    ReplyDelete

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