Question from a reader:
Today, I collided with the car in front of me while waiting at a traffic light. If the other party receives a medical certificate from the hospital, is it possible for them to submit that certificate only to the insurance company without presenting it to the police? I have a prior record, so I am worried that
if it is submitted to the police, it could lead to a license suspension or fines. What should I do?

Accidents While Waiting at a Traffic Light and Subsequent Responses

The feelings that arise when an accident occurs are filled with anxiety and urgency that are hard to express in words. Especially when the other party receives a medical certificate from the hospital, the situation can escalate into further troubles. Here, I would like to consider how to respond from a legal perspective based on the reader’s case.

The Scene of the Accident and Subsequent Actions

First, let’s reflect on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Colliding with the car in front while waiting at a traffic light is likely the result of a momentary lapse in attention. Even while waiting at a light, traffic accidents can happen, and they can occur to anyone. However, if the other party has received a medical certificate from the hospital, the situation changes dramatically. A medical certificate becomes a crucial document for insurance claims and legal procedures if the other party has sustained injuries. Now, let’s consider the reader’s thought about whether it is possible to submit the medical certificate only to the insurance company without presenting it to the police. To conclude, while it is technically possible not to submit the medical certificate to the police, whether that is a wise choice is another matter.

The Importance of the Medical Certificate and Submission to the Police

The medical certificate contains details about the other party’s injuries and treatment. This document serves as the basis for the insurance company to pay appropriate compensation to the other party. However, if the insurance company receives the medical certificate while the police have not been informed of the accident, there are several legal risks involved. If the accident is not reported to the police, there will be no official record of the incident, which could lead to complications later on. For instance, the other party might later claim, “Actually, I was injured more than I initially said,” or conversely, you could find yourself embroiled in an unrelated accident. Additionally, having a prior record means that any further infractions could lead to very harsh judgments.

Response Strategies for Those with Prior Records

It can be imagined that the reader, having already had one prior accident, is very sensitive to this situation. I completely understand that feeling. If another accident occurs, there could be a license suspension or fines. Therefore, it is natural to want to avoid risks as much as possible. What we need to consider here is “how to minimize risks.” First and foremost, when an accident occurs, it is essential to contact the police and report the incident. Even in the case of a minor accident, having a police record can serve as evidence to support your position. Regardless of how the other party claims, objective evidence will remain.

Contacting the Insurance Company and Their Response

Next, let’s think about contacting the insurance company. When an accident occurs, it is necessary to first contact your insurance company and explain the situation. The insurance company will determine how to proceed based on the information regarding your accident. They can also provide guidance or advice regarding the submission of the medical certificate from the other party’s hospital. However, it is important to note that insurance companies generally have an obligation to report accidents to the police, so the submission of the medical certificate to the insurance company is also related to the police. Therefore, it should be understood that you cannot hide the medical certificate. Additionally, if the medical certificate is submitted, the other party claiming injuries could lead to the possibility of compensation amounts being incurred.

Post-Accident Response and Future Risk Management

The key point here is that properly responding after an accident can potentially reduce future risks. When an accident occurs, it is crucial to act calmly and follow the appropriate procedures. If necessary, consulting with an expert, such as a lawyer, is also a viable option. By obtaining help from someone knowledgeable about the law, you can choose the best course of action for yourself. Moreover, it is also important to use this accident as a lesson to reassess your awareness of driving in the future. By enhancing your attention while driving, you can prevent further accidents and create a safer driving environment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how you respond to an accident can have a significant impact on your future life. In the reader’s case, while it is possible to limit the submission of the medical certificate to only the insurance company, whether that is a wise choice requires consideration of legal perspectives and risks. Furthermore, if there is a prior record, careful actions are even more essential. While it is unavoidable to have an accident, making mistakes in the subsequent response can lead to further troubles. Acting calmly and appropriately after an accident is key to reducing future risks. If you have concerns, do not forget to consult with an expert. Making the right choices is crucial for protecting your future.