Case closed, but no suit against driver in viral video

MANILA, Philippines – The driver involved in a traffic incident gone viral just gets a ticket for a traffic violation, the Taguig Traffic Bureau (TTB) said on Thursday, January 28.

Police Officer 3 Antonio Sinampan of the TTB said in a phone interview with Rappler that Edgardo Hurna would only get a traffic violation ticket for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, for now, since the victims have yet to file a complaint against the driver. (READ: Traffic justice and Manila’s traffic woes)

“Hindi pa naman lumalapit ang dalawang nagmamaneho ng motor kaya walang kaso (The two motorcycle drivers have not come forward yet so there’s no suit),” Sinampan said.

The viral video in question shows an Innova hitting a motorcycle as it turned left on an intersection. It hit another motorcycle while trying to leave the scene. 

Hurna voluntarily surrendered to the TTB on Wednesday night, January 27. Sinampan said he processed the case, but had his doubts about Hurna’s story. 

According to Sinampan, Hurna said the motorcycle driver was the one who hit the car. Sinampan said he did not believe the story because of the video. 

When staff from the Traffic Management Office arrived, Hurna began telling them a version of the events that more closely matched the video. 

Handling traffic accidents 

Although different cities have their respective traffic rules, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued general guidelines for traffic accidents. 

For minor accidents, the MMDA has 4 steps: 

1. Safety first: Ensure everyone involved is safe, then alight from the vehicle and take pictures of the situation. If needed, call the nearest hospital.
2. Do not cause traffic: Drivers must pull out of the road to avoid obstructing traffic. Turn on hazard lights and use flares or cones, if possible, to alert other drivers.
3. Refrain from losing your temper: Calmly exchange insurance details with the other driver and see if you can resolve the case. However, drivers also have the option to call the MMDA Hotline 136 and ask traffic enforcers or investigators for assistance. In this case, drivers must remain on the scene until investigators say otherwise.
4. Ask insurance agent about repairs: Drivers must call their insurance agents while they are still on the scene. They must also keep in touch with investigators and file a report, if asked. 

The same goes for major accidents:

1. Stay safe.
2. Take pictures.
3. Move the vehicle off the road, if possible.
4. Let the investigator take charge.
5. Exchange information.
6. Contact the insurance agent.
7. File a report with the police department.

The MMDA advises having a police report on hand to speed up the insurance claims process. – Rappler.com