New driver two Accidents

Rikki

Just because you've passed your test doesn't mean you can drive. That comes with experience.

rchddap1

I always drive with the phrase "everyone else is an idiot" in mind. That way you learn to expect the unexpected.

Bendybops19

Poor boy, i feel really sorry for him. I bet this has really knocked his confidence in driving.

I think maybe he would appreciate it if you went out in the car with him a few times, explain how you would do things.

As for the van - from what i have read, it was the vans fault. So what if it was raining? The van didnt see him, therefore the van driver pays.

I had a horrific accident just a few weeks after passing, a drunk lad was being chased by a gang and ran right into the road and over my car, smashing the windscreen and my car. He just appeared from between cars and i didnt even have a chance to brake.

It seriously put me off driving, and was in the local papers (luckily not my name, just my car).
Anyway, what i am trying to say is, i think your son really needs a few more 'lessons' i say lessons, what i mean is for you/uncle/experienced driver to go out with him.

Explain how the insurance works, dont patronize him, he prob already feels bad enough.

I also now drive expecting people to pull out in front of me, jump into the road, drive up my boot! It helps to be cautious.

I hope it doesnt cost too much, and i hope he doesnt have another accident or bump for many, many, many years to come.

James240

Rikki wrote:

I was taught the car was a lethal weapon with the potential to kill and treat it with respect.
As for your son he must learn to be more observent he is not in control of a toy.

that may be so Rikki but then again have u never had a crash????? :cool:

James

Rikki

Those words of wisdom came from my driving instructor all them years ago.

Bossyboots

Just a thought, although the OP says the accident damage was paid for without insurance, I am presuming they have notified the insurers of the accidents. You have to do this, even if there is no claim made.

Secondly, from the description, it does sound like the van driver was not to blame if the OP's son was pulling out from a side road. It was his responsibility to make sure the road was clear before doing so.

Bennifred

Another point about the second accident: If there is no damage on your son's car (i.e. HE isn't claiming) you probably won't have to pay an excess even if the other driver claims on your insurance, so it may be worth going through the insurers rather than paying yourself. We were in this position when our son ran into the back of a Mini just one week after passing his test. No damage at all to our car, looked like no damage to Mini but when the other guy had it checked out there was over £600 pounds worth (genuine, we saw the report). Our excess at the time was about £400 for son, so we decided to go through insurers, only to be pleasantly surprised that because WE didn't need to claim for any damage we didn't have to pay any excess :j
Has your son done the PassPlus course - extremely useful, and very reassuring.

bargain_2

Thanks to all of you let you know how he gets on.

James240

Rikki wrote:

Those words of wisdom came from my driving instructor all them years ago.

So thats a no then??

bargain_2

Van driver rang £350 pounds. My son he would pay asked him to get garage to send bill.