Lorry reversed onto my car and never stopped...

dacouch

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Going to the police wont involve insurers. Police deal with criminal matters and insurers deal with civil matters. Unfortunately the police do occasionally forget this and try to give untrained advice on the civil matter and create headaches for claims staff.

If the company/ driver is foreign you are probably best leaving it to your insurers as multinational claims add a host of other complexities.

I agree dealing with foreign Insurers is very difficult, however I have had luck dealing with a Dutch HGV company regarding an accident. It was just a case of ringing the haulage company, asking at the start of the call for someone who speaks English (The vast majority of the Dutch population speak very good English) and explaining the situation.

Bear in mind that long distance lorry drivers are often away from base for weeks at a time so it may take a while for the company to discuss the matter with their driver (They won't want to accept liability until they have spoken). Also bear in mind the driver may well deny having the accident possibly because he was not aware of hitting your car so you may need to send them proof.

It's worth trying calling them to see how they view the incident, if it looks to be difficult then you can drop it.

dsavvy83

awesome thanks for the advice, i have the phone number of the company and possibly the number of the driver, as he is here every Friday delivering flowers to the local flower shop.

dsavvy83

so it looks like insurance people getting involved, actually spoke to the owner of the fleet and is now sorting it out with his insurers.

InsideInsurance

dacouch wrote: »

I agree dealing with foreign Insurers is very difficult, however I have had luck dealing with a Dutch HGV company regarding an accident.

It can also be the practicalities of the matter, even if they are helpful then reimbursing you in sterling rather than euros, factoring international banking fees etc can cause headaches, though arent insurmountable.

dsavvy83

well it's a new experience for me dealing with the dutch!

dacouch

dsavvy83 wrote: »

well it's a new experience for me dealing with the dutch!

I always find the Dutch very friendly and their English is very good.

They're about the only European country that really love the UK.

What has the fleet owner proposed eg you obtain an estimate or two and if so has he agreed to pay the garage before or after the work starts?

dsavvy83

he has decided to go through the insurance, which is probably the best solution to be honest...