Car Accident - Driver Dispute

JM2009

Hi all

I was after some assistance if possible ... my wife and I where recently involved in a minor car accident .. turning out from a junction just clipped the back of another vehicle ..

I got out of the car to inspect the damage, there was none so we drove off .. Yes I know this was a mistake in hindsight and my mistake as I told her too.

we got a letter from the insurance to stay we were involved in an accident and we confirmed the details etc and also admitted fault ...

but She has just received a letter from the police stating failing to stop .. ok I accept that but the details say that it was a male driver that has been reported (i.e ... ME) .. but it wasn't me! .. I was the passenger but after various phone calls and emails how do I actually prove it wasn't me as I don't even drive, to make matters worse apparently they have another witness that said it was a male driver !!..

I'm actually really worried as I could potentially get done for various different things like No Licence, No insurance, failing to stop etc ... my wife has said it was her driving so what happens if they arrest me? she could also potentially get done for fraud ... its so messed up for something that was extremely minor.

it doesn't even feel real ! I seriously need some advise!

BigBopper

JM2009 wrote: »

Hi all

I was after some assistance if possible ... my wife and I where recently involved in a minor car accident .. turning out from a junction just clipped the back of another vehicle ..

I got out of the car to inspect the damage, there was none so we drove off .. Yes I know this was a mistake in hindsight and my mistake as I told her too.

we got a letter from the insurance to stay we were involved in an accident and we confirmed the details etc and also admitted fault ...

but I have just received a letter from the police stating failing to stop .. ok I accept that but the details say that it was a male driver that has been reported (i.e ... ME) .. but it wasn't me! .. I was the passenger but after various phone calls and emails how do I actually prove it wasn't me as I don't even drive, to make matters worse apparently they have another witness that said it was a male driver !!..

I'm actually really worried as I could potentially get done for various different things like No Licence, No insurance, failing to stop etc ... my wife has said it was her driving so what happens if they arrest me? she could also potentially get done for fraud ... its so messed up for something that was extremely minor.

it doesn't even feel real ! I seriously need some advise!

First off she won't be done for fraud.

She is however guilty of fail to stop and report the collision. Possibly careless driving.

Who ever the registered keeper of the vehicle is must return the 172 request naming the driver and take things from there.

No doubt your wife will be interviewed and possibly you.

If they have evidence of you driving you may face prosecution for failing to stop and report, careless, no licence or insurance. If that happens your wife will be up for using without insurance and permitting no licence. Post back when you hear more from the police and this may take a court to decide the outcome.

Quentin

If you weren't driving then simply reply to the letter saying so. (Why have the police written to you - where have they got your details from?)


If the matter gets more serious then get legal advice/representation.


(Make sure your wife complies with her insurance policy and reports this incident to her insurer)

JM2009

No the police didn't write or address anything to me .. it was addressed to my wife ..

it was the insurance company who stated that it was reported that it was a male driver involved, that is bit we were worried about as a few days later we received a 172 letter from the police.

loskie

It's ADVICE you need.

JM2009

we are trying .. maybe we are worrying for no reason but you just hear so many horror stories on the internet and naturally think the worst.

Quentin

Your OP says you have received this letter from the police,


But if it was your wife, then she should reply to it, (obviously!)


She is the one who may need to get legal advice/representation over this.

JM2009

yup noted .. sorry amended to She

Strider590

This is weird, usually the Police don't give a damn unless someone was injured.

arcon5

Tell the insurer who was driving then?

Ozzuk

What was the other driver doing when you got out the car? they probably saw you looking for damage and assumed you were driving. However, didn't they stop to talk to you? Did they drive off?