Involved in relatively minor hit & run - what step to take next?

Mariemar*** · 11-12-2008 11:08pm #1

Hi all,
Don't know if this is altogether relevant to this thread but here goes -
On a roundabout, on the way to work one morning, another driver approached, from my left & rammed the side of my car. I had seen her coming was not possible to avoid her. I swerved slightly minimising the impact to an extent. She then pulled away & continued on her way as if nothing had happened! Luckily I had passengers in the car who got the reg & managed to report to the Gardai. They located the driver & she claimed full liability, advising she would pay for the damage. Her excuse for not stopping was that 'she didn't think it was that bad'. Luckily none of us were injured, apart from my driving confidence being shaken for a while as I had never been involved in an accident prior to this. The damage could have been worse & I have now gotten a quote from a panel beater to approach the driver with. She is not going through her insurance - advised will pay outright. I want to keep it strictly in writing & not speak to her by phone or in person.

Can anyone who has been in a similar position provide a letter draft or some advise which would assist in my contact with the other driver?

Thanks.

Calina · 11-12-2008 11:23pm

Moved from Commuting & Transport - think this is most appropriate? If not bat it back to me.

Random · 11-12-2008 11:51pm

I would suggest reporting it to your insurance company and to hers (the Garda should be able to give you this info).

Personally I wouldn't be too happy with a private settlement given she drove off the first time round. She'll no doubt not like the price of it anyway as car repairs always cost more than they seem.

My couple of cent.

mikemac · 12-12-2008 12:29am

Agree with Random.

She could potentially start messing you around. Now I know any person who could do this but I definitely foresee this happening in this case

Run this through the insurance company, let them handle it

x in the city · 12-12-2008 2:35am

Insurance company...

no time for dilly dallying , been there done that.let her suck it up

Anan1 · 12-12-2008 9:52am

I agree, insurance company all the way.

Henry Ford III · 12-12-2008 10:50am

I'd also be asking the Cops what they propose do do about the lady leaving the scene of an accident?

daveharnett · 12-12-2008 12:17pm

As others have said, contact your insurance company immediately. They will contact her insurance company, who will in turn contact her. This not prevent her from paying for the damage herself - it's a no claims bonus, not a no accident bonus.

ITMissy · 12-12-2008 12:21pm

Insurance company all the way, dont wait. Do not deal privately. My mam did this once and it took ages for quilty party to pay for the damage.
And it is not worth the hassle. If this woman would leave the scene of an accident i dont think she will in too much of a hurry to settle with you.

OldmanMondeo · 12-12-2008 12:47pm

The other driver did not have the decency to stop at the accident, why should you accomdate her? Get it sorted ASAP, I am sure you want your car sorted by Christmas.

Berty · 12-12-2008 12:50pm

I had this before. He wanted to pay without telling his insurance company and then when he got the quote thought it was too expensive to pay out of his own pocket so then he contacted him insurance company.................................................

only to find out that I had provided them with the details a long time before he did.

Although he was unhappy about it, rules are rules.

Also, throw the book at her. The cheek to suggest the crash was not "that bad". I had a woman open her 96/97 punto door smash into my wing whilst I was sitting waiting for the lights. I asked her what she was thinking to which she replied "its only a car". AAARRGGGHH Your **** box may just be a car but this €40k car is actually worth something bitc*h.

Gardai - Leaving the scene of an accident

felim · 12-12-2008 1:09pm

Never again will I agree to keep an accident out of the insurance companies' hands. It's not worth the hassle when the other party decides to start arguing once they see the bill. Inform your insurer and hers straight away.

fastrac · 12-12-2008 4:19pm

felim wrote: »

Never again will I agree to keep an accident out of the insurance companies' hands. It's not worth the hassle when the other party decides to start arguing once they see the bill. Inform your insurer and hers straight away.

+1.Dont risk it .Hit and run drivers dont make the best payers

BeardyGit · 12-12-2008 6:54pm

I'd press for charges to be brought against her.

Oh yeah, insurance company all the way. That's one way of making sure she pays a price for buggering off.

Involved in relatively minor hit & run - what step to take next?

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