Car dented by child who pays?

borkid

Mark_Mark wrote: »

As we drive on the left side of the road, it was actually the cars on that side that were blocking your way then.

Why has the problem with the car on the right occurred?

The people parking on the left park out side their house and because of the bend in the road and other drive ways on the right this actually makes a lot of sense and inconveniences as few people as possible. Also all the people on the righthand side have their own driveways and park there it was just this one visitor who decided she'd park on the right. We've been here 2 years and its the first time its happened. She could have parked in the friends drive way if she'd wanted as there was room there.

im-lost

Mark_Mark wrote: »

As we drive on the left side of the road, it was actually the cars on that side that were blocking your way then.

Why has the problem with the car on the right occurred?

I guess you don't live in the real world like the rest of us...

Mark_Mark

im-lost wrote: »

I guess you don't live in the real world like the rest of us...

I guess not.....

If they could drive into a gap wide enough to open a door and get out of, why couldn't they drive through. Cars on both sides were causing the obstruction, a point the OP fails to appreciate. If they knew who owned the car on the left and had asked them to move none of this would have occurred.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

I understand you position OP, and if you take photo's of the damage get estimates then go down small claims route then youd probably get your cash back off them.


to report them to social services, and police etc, would not look like your vindictive and poisonous, but probably wouldn't get you anywhere in court as they could claim harassment as you didn't follow channels properly but went through people who are friends in the job.


their child is probably scared of admitting to banging the door incase they get into hot water with mummy and daddy how many children do you know that will say yes I broke that window mummy and daddy throwing a stone? how often do you here no I didn't do it so and so did and it goes round like a merry go round and this is what the parents are sticking to that their child didn't do it.

Mark_Mark

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

I understand you position OP, and if you take photo's of the damage get estimates then go down small claims route then youd probably get your cash back off them.


to report them to social services, and police etc, would not look like your vindictive and poisonous, but probably wouldn't get you anywhere in court as they could claim harassment as you didn't follow channels properly but went through people who are friends in the job.


their child is probably scared of admitting to banging the door incase they get into hot water with mummy and daddy how many children do you know that will say yes I broke that window mummy and daddy throwing a stone? how often do you here no I didn't do it so and so did and it goes round like a merry go round and this is what the parents are sticking to that their child didn't do it.

That would have nothing to do with a civil claim.

Are you seriously suggesting taking an 8 year old to the small claims court?

borkid

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

I understand you position OP, and if you take photo's of the damage get estimates then go down small claims route then youd probably get your cash back off them.


to report them to social services, and police etc, would not look like your vindictive and poisonous, but probably wouldn't get you anywhere in court as they could claim harassment as you didn't follow channels properly but went through people who are friends in the job.


their child is probably scared of admitting to banging the door incase they get into hot water with mummy and daddy how many children do you know that will say yes I broke that window mummy and daddy throwing a stone? how often do you here no I didn't do it so and so did and it goes round like a merry go round and this is what the parents are sticking to that their child didn't do it.

Thanks. The mother does know the child opened the door as it banged just as she was coming around the corner of the house, also admitted it. I have no problem with the children at all, it wasn't their fault they were too young to know better.

As I've said we've written the chance of any recompense off now. If we get anything then it will be a bonus.

I wouldn't report them because apart from this one incident I'd say they are a very good caring family. My main gripe now was their attitude the following day. Another person though would have no qualms I'm sure. My OH and I are every laid back, life / accidents happen but when they do, own up and accept your responsibility.

This thread is developing into how to park and that isn't what I was asking about. If she had just popped in to say posted a note through the door no problem but we are talking about 5 minutes out of sight of the car and blocking 2 road/ drives.

Thanks for the helpful feedback from some people I have my answer and some thought provoking comments.

Can I delete this thread and if so how? I feel it has run its course from the original question.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

Mark_Mark wrote: »

That would have nothing to do with a civil claim.

Are you seriously suggesting taking an 8 year old to the small claims court?

the parent has responsibility for a child you take the parent to court you prove parent was negligent by leaving the children unattended in a vehicle with unlocked doors.

arcon5

Retrogamer wrote: »

If you don't wish to pursue it via the insurance route, then there is no legal way to force the child to pay for the damage.
You're at the mercy of the mother's generosity (or lack of)

Of course there is, it's called small claims court against the parent or guardian.

arcon5

Mark_Mark wrote: »

OH needs to learn what a horn is for, it isn't to summons people out of the house. I bet this has wound them up and now they're not playing ball.

As said you didn't check or see damage at the time so you'll struggle to prove it was them. With a loud bang heard above the noise of torrential rain on a car roof I'd have been checking.

Get off your high horse. What would you have done? Sat there and crossed your fingers?
Despite it being non-compliant with the highway code, it's perfectly reasonable to try draw attention with the horn in such situation!

Retrogamer

arcon5 wrote: »

Of course there is, it's called small claims court against the parent or guardian.

Yeah you can do that, if you can provide evidence that the accident happened, the child done it and the parent was negligent. Otherwise it's just one persons word against the other if they deny everything.