Involved in accident. Uncertain how to proceed.

kikilamour

A truck went into the back of my hatchback whilst I was waiting to turn right into a quiet country road yesterday. I was in shock whilst being seen to by paramedics and police attended as well.

I thought I was fine but I'm in agony today. It's gone to insurance companies, the driver admitted fault. I'm still furious that he wasn't paying attention as I'd rather have avoided this debacle.

I had some light machinery in my boot which I later discovered had been destroyed by the impact. I called my insurance company to see if that could be added to the claim and I got put through to a personal claim company because they found out I'd been to the doctors for pain relief.

The owner of the truck company that hit me called this morning to see if I would settle without insurance but I was advised not to.

I don't know what to do - I'm tired, !!!!ed off, in pain, out of pocket and thoroughly confused. Car is a total write off and I've been sent home from work as I'm not doing well. Problem is I don't get paid on a permanent contract, it's all agency work. I don't want anyone getting out of pocket even the owner of the company but would rather do everything properly.

Anyone got any advice?

MovingForwards

Start claiming SSP. It's not great but it's better than nothing.

Detail the cost of the items in the boot of your car, I assume you have them still and can take photos of them to show they are damaged?

Start gathering up copies of you payslips for the last 12 weeks in readiness for a loss of earnings claim, some may be paid back to the DWP for the SSP you receive.

Wait for the pain to settle a little before going back to work, rushing back won't do you any good!

Liaise with any solicitors instructed by your insurance company for a PI claim.

See if the pre accident value of your car can be settled now, if not then add £15 -£25 per day for loss of use of your car, don't expect to receive the full amount claimed.

Keep details / receipts of any other losses you incur ie prescription charges, over the counter meds, physio, bus fares etc and add that to your claim.

It's the insurance company who pays your losses.

Do not settle with the third party as you will not get the right settlement.

Car accident pain is vile, pushing yourself won't help and could cause more problems.

DCFC79

Yes your car is ruined, in pain, out of pocket, p!!!ed off but at least your alive.

sal_III

I wouldn't contemplate settling privately outside of the insurance under these circumstances.

If it was light damage on the bumper that can be fixed in the local garage in a day for a couple of £100s - sure. But if my car is a write off and I have injury AND loss of earnings as a result - no freaking way.

kikilamour

MovingForwards wrote: »

Start claiming SSP. It's not great but it's better than nothing.

Detail the cost of the items in the boot of your car, I assume you have them still and can take photos of them to show they are damaged?

Start gathering up copies of you payslips for the last 12 weeks in readiness for a loss of earnings claim, some may be paid back to the DWP for the SSP you receive.

Wait for the pain to settle a little before going back to work, rushing back won't do you any good!

Liaise with any solicitors instructed by your insurance company for a PI claim.

See if the pre accident value of your car can be settled now, if not then add £15 -£25 per day for loss of use of your car, don't expect to receive the full amount claimed.

Keep details / receipts of any other losses you incur ie prescription charges, over the counter meds, physio, bus fares etc and add that to your claim.

It's the insurance company who pays your losses.

Do not settle with the third party as you will not get the right settlement.

Car accident pain is vile, pushing yourself won't help and could cause more problems.

Thank you for such comprehensive advice. I'll follow it all. This is what the personal injury people have also advised.

kikilamour

sal_III wrote: »

I wouldn't contemplate settling privately outside of the insurance under these circumstances.

If it was light damage on the bumper that can be fixed in the local garage in a day for a couple of £100s - sure. But if my car is a write off and I have injury AND loss of earnings as a result - no freaking way.

Thank you. I'm thinking a lot clearer today and pretty much everyone has said the same thing.

MovingForwards

kikilamour wrote: »

Thank you for such comprehensive advice. I'll follow it all. This is what the personal injury people have also advised.

It's standard PI advice

Hope you feel a bit better today, mentally and more in control, now you have guidance and are able to concentrate on getting better.

[Deleted User]

If you are in pain then contact your insurer and request interim payments to start whatever treatment you need. First step is probably going to see your GP, get them to suggest what you need - physiotherapy is quite comment.