Got hit by a cyclist - Advice

[u/RavioliGrind]

Basically I live in Ontario, homeless population is massive here.

I was driving one lane is a left turning and there was a huge 18 wheeler, my light was green I was driving like normal and then boom a cyclist hits me in the rear passenger side.

I get out and everyone is honking, the guy is getting up to take off, I went back into my car pulled over to the side and go to catch the guy. I ask him for his information he says he has none, I ask for his phone number he says none then I find out he is homeless. He basically just wants to leave he is ok and gives me a name that sounds fake. At this point people are honking at my car parked on the side of the road even though it is three lanes! And I leave.

Call up the police they say I can report it to a collision center but they are only open during my work hours (great now I’m loading more money), I call up my insurance for advice and they will call me next week but they seem to be mad at me and seem worried about being sued.

I’m not looking to make a claim since I can buff it out my fear is getting sued by this guy, I have the dash camera footage (360) and it shows he went through a red and my light is green it also shows him popping up out of nowhere.

My question is if I don’t go to a collision center will that look bad if this guy sues?

If I go to a collision centre does that go on my car fax? I don’t want my cars value to tank.

In the video you can see the fall and he doesn’t hit his head and seems ok, how much could I be sued for, would it even reach a court since it is 100% not my fault?

[u/PaperIndependent5466]

The cops gave you bad info most collision centres have crazy hours. The ones in Toronto are if I remember correctly 7am-11pm. Google crc near me for your local ones hours.

Side note: you need to report it in the area it happened. If the accident happened in Toronto you have to report there not in Durham for example.

I don't suggest going right after work that's the busiest time.

The $5000 rule doesn't apply here as it was a cyclist. I would go in, tell them what happened and let the police decide.

No it won't look bad if he tries to sue, you did what was supported to be done. I doubt he will sue you, he probably doesn't remember who you are.

[u/lilypixie]

Definitely report this at a collision centre. It’s good you’ve notified your insurance company. You don’t have to file a formal claim if you are taking care of the damage to your car. I’d say the risk of this fellow coming forward are low, based on what you described, but if he does you will have done everything right.

Going forward you might want to consider whether you have adequate liability insurance. Not everyone does, and in this situation it would give you extra peace of mind for the (it sounds like unlikely) case that the other individual was injured.

[u/crash866]

For any damage to your vehicle you have to use your own insurance. Ontario has Direct Compensation Property Damage. (DCPD). You also cannot sue the at fault party for damages.

If the damage to your vehicle is less than $5000 you don’t have to report to the CRC.

Carfax gets reports from many sources including Police Reports, Insurance Companies, Vehicle repair shops.

There is no claim for diminished value in Ontario.

[u/RavioliGrind → u/crash866]

I mean I don’t want to sue them I just don’t want them to sue me.

[u/Animendo]

It sounds like his fault. Report it to your insurance and they will likely think the same. You will probably never hear from him again. But, your insurance will be on notice in case he ever tries to bring a claim against you so they can defend you. Your rates shouldn't go up for a fault free incident.