Accident advice

kynare

On 19 March 2011 I was involved in an accident. I was on the left hand land and there was another lane on my right which was going in the same direction. AS i was in the left lane it allowed me to either go straight on or turn left. The lane on my right only allowed vehicles to go straight on. I was turning left when the car on my right pulled in front of me to also turn left and he ended up scrapping the front-side of my car and smashing the wing mirror.

I was in a bad mood and there were some heated exchanges of words between me and the driver (who was a mini-cab driver with passengers in tow). I was blaming him for cutting in to my lane. He was stating I should have followed the car in front and he was indicating to get in to my lane.

I did not get his point as my lane also allowed me to go forward instead of turning left and also if the car is on the right and behind me how am i to see his indicator.

Anyways we called our insurers and reported the incident. My insurance company have stated to me that they may have to go 50/50 on this claim as it depends on what the 3rd party states happened.

Later on in the day I got a call from the 3rd party stating he has informed his insurer I have admitted liability (which I have not), and him and his passengers are going to sue for bodily injuries. My car was going at max 2-5 mph and he is the person who appeared from no where to get in front of me.

I have contacted the council where the accident happened and requested cctv footage i have also gone on to google earth to confirm the layout of the road which shows the 3rd party had no right of way to get in to my lane by indicating whilst behind me.

But I am worried I will be held liable for this claim and have to pay out to the 3rd parties passengers if i AM SUED. Has any one got any other ideas of what I should do.

PS loads of eye witnesses but no one stopped.

withabix

Typical minicab driver trying to bully you into admitting fault so that it doesn't affect his Taxi licence and his insurance.

As his passengers are allegedly complaining about injuries, you must report this accident to the Police.

I suggest you do this as soon as possible, as this will stop the bullying from the minicab driver as the accident was probably his fault.

I would also report him to the local Council's Taxi Licencing office, telling them that he is threatening you.

Don't worry about being sued - it will all be dealt with by your insurance company.

Too many minicab drivers think that indicators are an instruction for you to get out of their way.

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kynare wrote: »

But I am worried I will be held liable for this claim and have to pay out to the 3rd parties passengers if i AM SUED. Has any one got any other ideas of what I should do?

First of all, seriously? You're worried about being sued? What on earth do you think insurance is there for?

Secondly, from what you've said, it sounds like you're completely in the right, and unless your insurers are rubbish they should be holding the third party 100% liable, witnesses or not. The passengers should be suing the cab driver, for which he will be insured.

PNPSUKNET

taxis do think that the road is theirs, and not supprised the taxi and passanger are claiming whipcash as its easy money for nothing