Will I Lose My Licence?

Sweet_Sugar_1984

Hi.

I passed my driving test in December last year. About a month ago, I accidentally collided into a parked car, but because I was in a state of panic I drove home and did not report the incident to the police, even though I am fully insured. The incident was picked up by a camera and I've been asked to give my details to the police. I am really woried that I may end up losing my licence as getting 6 points in the first 2 years means an automatic licence endorsement.

How many points/fine am I likely to get for this? Are the police likely to be lenient as I am a new driver and this is my first offence? Is there any way I can get the minimum number of points?

All suggestions welcome!

Thanks to all!

Bossyboots

You are at risk of six points but I think it unlikely. Unfortunately, you have not given a very good impression of being prepared to obey the rules of the road by not stopping and this may go against you.

Had you stopped at the time, you may not have been penalised at all and while I am not condoning your actions, I can understand you would have been frightened. That might buy you some mitigation for driving off in the first place but unfortunately you have compounded the issue by not owning up the next day.

Until you receive a summons you are not really going to know what the likely outcome will be. You may be summonsed for driving without due care and failing to stop or just the latter. You may also only be summonsed for without due care and they accept your reason for driving off. It will then also depend on how your local Court handle these offences.

rchddap1

I would suggest that you simply be honest and apologise for your actions. Admitting that you've done wrong is always a good first step. You will simply have to grit your teeth and hope that everything will be okay. However, if you do receive a ban try to accept it graciously and remember this lesson for the future.

cc25

If there is even the slightest possibility of your losing your licence, I would seek legal advice as soon as possible. This will hopefully put your mind at rest.

Are you a member of a motoring organisation or trade union? They often have a free legal advice helpline for members. Or perhaps your insurance company offers this service? If not, most local solicitors will give the initial consultation free.

There is some information on Road Law here, with details of a telephone legal service

YorkshireBoy

Code.....Offence..............................................Penalty points

AC10.....Failing to stop after an accident................5-10
AC20.....Failing to give particulars or to
............report an accident within 24 hours.............5-10

CD10.....Driving without due care and attention........3-9
CD20.....Driving without reasonable consideration
............for other road users.................................3-9
CD30.....Driving without due care and attention
............or without reasonable consideration
............for other road users.................................3-9

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/DriverLicensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/EndorsementsDisqualificationsArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=10022425&chk=Srs142

If you're found guilty of the offence(s), the owner of the other car will probably look for reimbursement for any/all costs they have incurred as a result of your actions.

If your insurance company refuse to pay out, because you have failed to keep to the T&C's of your contract with them, the owner of the other vehicle may pursue a civil action against you.

chrisw

Had it been my car you'd hit, I would have said you deserve whatever's coming.

jcr16

i agree with the above post's as harsh as it may seem if you do loose your license then thats what it will be.

could u talk to the person you hit and say how sorry u are , and ask if they will allow you to pay for all damages without involving the police. if you are genuine enough about it , i sure they will understand.

if you hit my car and then approach me later on i would be happy with that. as at the end of the day no one was hurt and the car will get repaired.

hth

superscotsman

Talk to a lawyer. Also, do not make any statements until you have seen the lawyer. I agree with jcr 16, try and keep it out of court. The lawyer will tell you how.
I realise that it is tough being a tyro driver and that sometimes you can hit the clutch and/or brake just a little too hard, and you hadn't realised that you had actually hit another vehicle. You did hear what sounded like a bit of a thump, but you thought it must have been the shopping in the back/the boot following the Laws of Newton. But, as the camera never lies, you realise that you actually hit another car, and you are very sorry and you will happily pay any reasonable damages to the owner.

chrisw

could u talk to the person you hit and say how sorry u are , and ask if they will allow you to pay for all damages without involving the police. if you are genuine enough about it , i sure they will understand.

But would you have done that if it hadn't been picked up on camera? It's all very well being remorseful when caught.
I fail to understand how you can collide with a parked car and simply drive off. Would you have stopped had it been a child? Had you been drinking?

I know it sounds harsh, but until you come out and find someone's hit your car and b**gered off, you can't know how sickening it is.

If it is as innocent as you suggest, then I hope you have learned a valuable lesson.

intel

Sweet_Sugar_1984 wrote:

Hi.
About a month ago, I accidentally collided into a parked car, but because I was in a state of panic I drove home and did not report the incident to the police, even though I am fully insured.

Just on this statement alone you admit the crime and fled so
even though you may feel this is harsh Im sorry but less drivers
like this on the roads wil make driving a safer pastime.

If there were no Camera to catch you, would you of reported
it anyway.... I think not......

I reckon you'll get a fine and a few points and learn a valuable lesson.

Best of Luck

shopbot

chrisw wrote:

But would you have done that if it hadn't been picked up on camera? It's all very well being remorseful when caught.

That's the key point in all of this. You say you drove off because you panicked but when that panic subsided you still chose not to report it and presumably had no plans to do so.

I would hold your hands up to it and take whatever the legal process decides.