Car park incident

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 6:30pm #1

Some advice please folks...

I was reversing in a car park today and tipped into another car. It was straight on - bumper to bumper. Not particularly hard. I checked both cars and there were no marks so I thought nothing further of it (other than to be more careful).

Anyway, 2 minutes later I was near some shops when a woman started attacking me about smashing into her car and not leaving a note. I explained what had happened and that there was no damage. I offered my number and she declined and called me scum.

I decided to go back to the car and she was there with her husband and a "witness" - Some guy in a car beside her. They were all ranting and raving about cctv and not leaving a note. I pointed out that the cars had essentially tipped bumper to bumper and that there was no damage to either car.

She pointed to a scratch to the side which clearly was an old one. I again offered my details and number and they declined. The "witness" kept chiming in so I told him to butt out.

What worries me though is that the husband said "we have what we need".

I did apologise and she accepted it.

What should I be expecting and what should I do?

djimi · 13-07-2014 7:02pm

Is there any way that it could look like you caused the scratch to the side? Did you take plenty of pictures? The witness could make things awkward if they are making up stories to back up the other party, but if you have photographic evidence and it doesnt back up the claim about the scratch then I wouldnt worry too much about it.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:04pm

djimi wrote: »

Is there any way that it could look like you caused the scratch to the side? Did you take plenty of pictures? The witness could make things awkward if they are making up stories to back up the other party, but if you have photographic evidence and it doesnt back up the claim about the scratch then I wouldnt worry too much about it.

There's no way that it could have caused the scratch. It was a gentle bumper to bumper tip with the cars perfectly aligned.

Do you think the fact that they declined my contact details is helpful?

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy · 13-07-2014 7:06pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

There's no way that it could have caused the scratch. It was a gentle bumper to bumper tip with the cars perfectly aligned.

Do you think the fact that they declined my contact details is helpful?

Not really, is there a chance that they could have taken your insurance policy details from the windscreen?

Chris_Heilong · 13-07-2014 7:07pm

try to obtain a copy of the CCTV as its the only thing that shows what happened.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:08pm

Duracell Bunny wrote: »

Not really, is there a chance that they could have taken your insurance policy details from the windscreen?

Absolutely.

But there is definitely no damage to their car.

Even if I "lost" wherever this goes, I'd pay rather than go the insurance route.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:09pm

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

try to obtain a copy of the CCTV as its the only thing that shows what happened.

It'll show me tipping into their car but what caused a scratch won't be clear.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:10pm

If they do try some kind of nefarious claim, can I cut the insurance company out of it?

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 13-07-2014 7:13pm

Howdy,

was there a barrier / ticket system in this car park ?

example. did you need to take a ticket entering the car park ?

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy · 13-07-2014 7:13pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

If they do try some kind of nefarious claim, can I cut the insurance company out of it?

No. But you can repay them any payout which they may make and your no claims bonus will be intact.

whodafunk · 13-07-2014 7:14pm

A friend of mine experienced something like this recently. Complete chancers.

In his case he said he had taken camera shots to prove no other damage to the car and once he mentioned calling the cops they said to leave it.

djimi · 13-07-2014 7:16pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

If they do try some kind of nefarious claim, can I cut the insurance company out of it?

I wouldnt in this case. Tell your insurer your full side of the story and let them deal with it. Let them know that you caused no damage and that they are making up stories, including them having a witness who seems happy to corroborate their dodgy story.

Id be contacting your insurer before they do also; it will look worse on you if they hear from the other party before they hear from you.

oldyouth · 13-07-2014 7:16pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

If they do try some kind of nefarious claim, can I cut the insurance company out of it?

Don't do that, it could end bad for you if you don't notify your insurers. It will also look like an admission of guilt if tell the other party you want to deal with it privately. Motor assessors are good at working out angles of impact, height of contact, direction of scratch etc. Leave them to it, if the other party is determined to get you and have a 'witness', you might just have to suck it up. Insurers can always be repaid to reinstate your NCB

djimi · 13-07-2014 7:18pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

It'll show me tipping into their car but what caused a scratch won't be clear.

If the scratch is on the side, and if it was a straight bumper to bumper then why would CCTV not show that you did not cause the damage?

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:32pm

djimi wrote: »

If the scratch is on the side, and if it was a straight bumper to bumper then why would CCTV not show that you did not cause the damage?

Sorry, I mean it was on the right hand side of the bumper if you were standing behind the car looking at the boot. I don't see how a scratch can arise when two flat surfaces touch "head on" (i.e. no glancing blow). It wasn't a fresh scratch either.

The "witness" was the problem here. He was sitting in the car beside their car (but facing the other way). He was giving it loads about me "smashing into their car" and an "almighty bang". Presumably when they came back, he told them "that fella over there crashed into your car".

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 13-07-2014 7:35pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

Sorry, I mean it was on the right hand side of the bumper if you were standing behind the car looking at the boot. I don't see how a scratch can arise when two flat surfaces touch "head on" (i.e. no glancing blow). It wasn't a fresh scratch either.

The "witness" was the problem here. He was sitting in the car beside their car (but facing the other way). He was giving it loads about me "smashing into their car" and an "almighty bang". Presumably when they came back, he told them "that fella over there crashed into your car".

which car park was it in ?

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:36pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

which car park was it in ?

Carrickmines - The Park

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 13-07-2014 7:40pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

Carrickmines - The Park

Grand stuff...

i know that car park to be a private car park.... with private clamping etc.

i.e its private property.

would i be right in saying your insurance company doesn't have to do anything because its private property ?

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:44pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Grand stuff...

i know that car park to be a private car park.... with private clamping etc.

i.e its private property.

would i be right in saying your insurance company doesn't have to do anything because its private property ?

I don't know - I'm clueless about this kind of thing.

You reckon it's okay?

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 13-07-2014 7:47pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

I don't know - I'm clueless about this kind of thing.

You reckon it's okay?

If i was you, i'd tell my insurance company that it was on private property and instruct them to take no action

it should be grand i think.

djimi · 13-07-2014 7:47pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Grand stuff...

i know that car park to be a private car park.... with private clamping etc.

i.e its private property.

would i be right in saying your insurance company doesn't have to do anything because its private property ?

Its not private property; its a public place.

Cyrus · 13-07-2014 7:49pm

If it was my car you reversed into I'd be pissed to be honest you should have left a note whether it looked to you if there was damage or not

djimi · 13-07-2014 7:50pm

Cyrus wrote: »

If it was my car you reversed into I'd be pissed to be honest you should have left a note whether it looked to you if there was damage or not

To say what exactly? Sorry I bumped into your car; theres no damage but if you fancy an aul chat anyway heres my number?

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 13-07-2014 7:51pm

djimi wrote: »

Its not private property; its a public place.

its questionable to be honest.... i used to work in an office down there at night and at night its all gated and security with clamping.... and you can only clamp on private property ?

im not sure but id say it anyway about it to the insurance company just to see

challengemaster · 13-07-2014 7:51pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Grand stuff...

i know that car park to be a private car park.... with private clamping etc.

i.e its private property.

would i be right in saying your insurance company doesn't have to do anything because its private property ?

If it's not gated (ie. there's free access to vehicles) it's as djimi has said, it's a public place as defined in the RTA.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 7:52pm

Cyrus wrote: »

If it was my car you reversed into I'd be pissed to be honest you should have left a note whether it looked to you if there was damage or not

There was no damage to either car...for sure.

repsol · 13-07-2014 7:57pm

My mothers car was damaged in an Aldi car park last year.The other driver moved to the other side of the carpark and then went shopping as if nothing happened. Luckily a witness noted the other cars details and kindly waited for my mum to return to pass them on. My dad went to the Gardai and the guard dealing with it visited the owners home. We don't know what was said but the guard rang my dad and told him to call to a specific address the next evening to get the cost of repair (about 400 euro). My dad went to the guys house and he paid up no problem and said he didn't realise he hit the car and apologised. I don't know what the legal position was but the guard did a good job in fairness

Arthur Beesley · 13-07-2014 7:57pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Grand stuff...

i know that car park to be a private car park.... with private clamping etc.

i.e its private property.

would i be right in saying your insurance company doesn't have to do anything because its private property ?

Is this 'advice' or are you having a laugh at the OP?

Jesus. · 13-07-2014 8:02pm

djimi wrote: »

To say what exactly? Sorry I bumped into your car; theres no damage but if you fancy an aul chat anyway heres my number?

Don't you think the witness was right to inform on his fellow citizen????

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy · 13-07-2014 8:03pm

djimi wrote: »

To say what exactly? Sorry I bumped into your car; theres no damage but if you fancy an aul chat anyway heres my number?

Clever, aren't you?

Maybe "I'm not qualified to inspect and diagnose any damage I may have done to your car just by standing and looking at it whilst scratching my nuts, so if you'd like to take it to a mechanic or panel beater and have it inspected, please do and then maybe give me a call on this number to arrange repairs."

Greenmachine · 13-07-2014 8:03pm

The Op is not in a position to say that there was no damage to the other car. Even a structural engineer would not be so quick to come to that conclusion.

username123 · 13-07-2014 8:06pm

Tipping another car and leaving without leaving a note is the height of ignorant and disgusting driving.

I highly doubt the OP is qualified to assess damage to another car by taking a quick glance before exiting the scene.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 8:13pm

username123 wrote: »

Tipping another car and leaving without leaving a note is the height of ignorant and disgusting driving.

I highly doubt the OP is qualified to assess damage to another car by taking a quick glance before exiting the scene.

Ah, username123...thanks...seeing you trying to take the high moral ground about anything would bring a tear (of laughter) to a glass eye.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 8:17pm

Jesus. wrote: »

Don't you think the witness was right to inform on his fellow citizen????

The "witness" sensationalised things.

He was an aggressive fella sitting in a banger with a dog on his lap.

monkeysnapper · 13-07-2014 8:20pm

username123 wrote: »

Tipping another car and leaving without leaving a note is the height of ignorant and disgusting driving.

I highly doubt the OP is qualified to assess damage to another car by taking a quick glance before exiting the scene.

Please....... It sounds like a small tip together, it's not something out of a Hollywood production . Keep it real !

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 8:23pm

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Please....... It sounds like a small tip together, it's not something out of a Hollywood production . Keep it real !

<snip>

Thanks to everyone else for their guidance and advice so far. Much obliged.

monkeysnapper · 13-07-2014 8:30pm

Larry Wildman wrote: »

<snip>
Thanks to everyone else for their guidance and advice so far. Much obligeed.

I only had 1 partner , Peugeot partner , the most useless thing I ever owned !!!

Cyrus · 13-07-2014 8:31pm

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Please....... It sounds like a small tip together, it's not something out of a Hollywood production . Keep it real !

According to the person at fault

If it was my car he hit I'd appreciate a note

djimi · 13-07-2014 8:31pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

its questionable to be honest.... i used to work in an office down there at night and at night its all gated and security with clamping.... and you can only clamp on private property ?

im not sure but id say it anyway about it to the insurance company just to see

Its not questionable at all. Its a shopping center car park; its a public place. Not private property.

djimi · 13-07-2014 8:34pm

Duracell Bunny wrote: »

Clever, aren't you?

Maybe "I'm not qualified to inspect and diagnose any damage I may have done to your car just by standing and looking at it whilst scratching my nuts, so if you'd like to take it to a mechanic or panel beater and have it inspected, please do and then maybe give me a call on this number to arrange repairs."

For a low speed tip in a car park? Fair play to you if you want to leave yourself open to dealing with chancers like the OP is now dealing with, but assuming we are talking about rolling speed (which it sounds very much like we are) then if there is no visible damage then there is no damage.

djimi · 13-07-2014 8:35pm

Jesus. wrote: »

Don't you think the witness was right to inform on his fellow citizen????

Sure. Id do the same myself. Thats not what I was talking about though, was it?

Whatever happened to you not posting in this forum again? :rolleyes:

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 8:40pm

I'm convinced that there is no damage to their car.

My worry is that they've taken my details and will go off to some garage and get all sorts of other things fixed at my expense.

They wouldn't take my contact details and after I apologised, the woman said that she accepted my apology.

All I'm worried about it my NCB to be honest.

If they looked for a €250 bung, I'd give it to them.

monkeysnapper · 13-07-2014 8:45pm

Cyrus wrote: »

According to the person at fault

If it was my car he hit I'd appreciate a note

Same as, I just felt username123 was being a bit dramatic that's all

username123 · 13-07-2014 8:53pm

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Same as, I just felt username123 was being a bit dramatic that's all

You think people who hit other people's cars and drive off are not ignorant? Ok then.

RyanMGF · 13-07-2014 8:53pm

You are still in the wrong even if there was no damage done as you did hit their car and drive off which you admit to.

The best thing you can do at the moment imho is just wait to see what, if anything, happens next and then take it from there. Otherwise it's all just speculation as to what they can and can't do.

Hopefully they will realise there is no damage and just forget about it.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 8:56pm

I didn't "drive off". I parked opposite them and walked away having inspected both cars.

RyanMGF · 13-07-2014 8:59pm

But sure you still moved the car and then left the scene. Much of a muchness.

power pants · 13-07-2014 9:12pm

RyanMGF wrote: »

But sure you still moved the car and then left the scene. Much of a muchness.

why would you keep the car there blocking the rest of the people using the car park?

if the OP is to be believed and no reason to not believe his story it was just a minor tip and nothing more

would I leave a note? I genuinely wouldnt.

If I thought it was possible I have caused damage but unsure. I probably would then leave a note. probably

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 9:18pm

If I thought that there was a chance of damage, I'd leave a note.

My own car is virtually brand new and there's not a single blemish on it.

Their car was fine.

RyanMGF · 13-07-2014 9:19pm

I didn't say he should have left the car blocking the place up.

All I am saying is that if you tip a car and then walk/crawl/jog/sprint/swim/drive off without leaving a note you are in the wrong and I'm sure an insurer would think similar.

Edit - It's obviously an unfortunate situation if there was no damage done at all but hopefully nothing will come of it if that is the case.

Larry Wildman · 13-07-2014 9:21pm

RyanMGF wrote: »

I didn't say he should have left the car blocking the place up.

All I am saying is that if you tip a car and then walk/crawl/jog/sprint/swim/drive off without leaving a note you are in the wrong and I'm sure an insurer would think similar.

If there was any damage done!

This was the equivalent of "deliberately" tipping a wall just to get as close to it as possible.

Car park incident

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