Car accident help please

rhibaby

Thank you for all your replies.

I have been in touch with the other parties insurance company but they keep telling me that an accident has not been reported to them.

Having checked the photographs taken at the scene - the chevron area is bordered by a solid white line.

The car behind me also stopped, as he was also merging into the right hand lane post the chevrons and was indeed also angry at the van driver, however declined to leave his details at the scene.

You are correct, I passed my test a year ago, was given car as a present but the cost of insurance was unbelievable, and there was no way I could fund the full party costs.

It just seems unfair that the other driver only gave his works number, address and works insurance details - although it was a works vehicle. Therefore if the manager keeps telling me that the driver is working nights, yet if I phone in the nights I still cannot contact him - I do not know what else to do.

If there had been a question of us being at fault - wouldn't the other driver have notified his own insurers and they be attempting to claim off my insurance- which does not appear to be the case.

Pitlanepiglet

Don't faff around with the driver, find a main telephone number for the company, ring and ask to speak to whoever deals with their motor claims. If they are a big co there will be a dedicated person or their legal and/or finance people will deal.

Quentin

rhibaby wrote: »

It just seems unfair that the other driver only gave his works number, address and works insurance details - although it was a works vehicle. Therefore if the manager keeps telling me that the driver is working nights, yet if I phone in the nights I still cannot contact him - I do not know what else to do.

As long as you have the van's insurer's details, that is all you need.

Write to them saying you hold their insured responsible - enclose an estimate for the repairs and ask them to confirm they will pay the cost of repairs.

But expect this to be a slow business, taking weeks/months to sort out (bearing in mind liability doesn't look clear cut from what you say).

Always communicate in writing and keep copies.

neilmcl

rhibaby wrote: »

If there had been a question of us being at fault - wouldn't the other driver have notified his own insurers and they be attempting to claim off my insurance- which does not appear to be the case.

Being a works vehicle the chances are his excess is going to be quite high, and depending on the damage done to his vehicle, I wouldn't imagine it to be that much being a security van, his company may just accept the cost rather than involve their insurance. I'm not saying you're totally at fault but there could be a good claim for 50/50 blame.

rhibaby

Thank you all for all the replies.

I have had contact from the other driver insurance - and the driver reported the accident to them this morning, and has admitted liability.

I was given the email address and had emailed the transport manager at the company - which is a national company so not a small local business. I highlighted what happened and attached all the photos taken from the scene. I also included a detailed history - day by day account of all phone calls to date.

I am in process of getting another car, and will stretch my finances to fully comp this time. Fortunately my car was not worth a lot - but was roadworthy and legal, and worth a lot to me.

Tanks once again to all

Quentin

rhibaby wrote: »

I have had contact from the other driver insurance - and the driver reported the accident to them this morning, and has admitted liability.

I was given the email address and had emailed the transport manager at the company - which is a national company so not a small local business. I highlighted what happened and attached all the photos taken from the scene. I also included a detailed history - day by day account of all phone calls to date.

You don't need to negotiate with the driver's company. (Unless you particularly want to - but they may drag their heels/change their attitude/ignore your letters etc)

As the insurers are admitting liability, you can deal directly with them. Get them to confirm in writing that they are accepting liability. You can then get them to reimburse you all of your costs incurred. Alternatively they may take over the repairs themselves and put you in touch with one of their repairers who may provide a car whilst yours is repaired.

Otherwise, you can get a hire car to use till yours is roadworthy again.

Also keep records of all your other out of pocket expenses (phone calls/fares/loss of earnings/postage etc) to claim as well as a sum for the inconvenience you are being put to.

DaveMacD

rhibaby wrote: »

Thank you all for all the replies.

I have had contact from the other driver insurance - and the driver reported the accident to them this morning, and has admitted liability.

I am in process of getting another car, and will stretch my finances to fully comp this time. Fortunately my car was not worth a lot - but was roadworthy and legal, and worth a lot to me.

Well, that certainly helps the situation. May still take a while though, since ins.co's aren't known for being quick at handing out money. As has been said, keep a note of your expenses while the car is out of the game. If the car isn't worth much, then it may end up written off if the damage is bad enough. Good luck.