Car accident follow-up advice

amf78

Hi,

Just been involved in my first car accident ever.

I got the driver's name, company name and telephone number as well as insurance policy details. Took a few pictures with the damage done to my car, as well as the bus number plate.
What I failed to get was the driver's address and driver license no, or details of any witnesses/passengers. There was only one passenger in my car (my gf) and quite a few passengers in the bus (can't say how many), though only one person stepped down to assess the situation.

Bus driver admitted fault, and after exchanging details we parted ways.

Could I please get advice on what to do next? Should the police be notified if no persons were harmed and the damage isn't (probably) extensive?

I do not wish to cause unnecessary problems and/or costs to the driver or the bus company, but at the same time I wouldn't want to settle for a backyard garage "patch it up" fix.
I called the bus company representative and he said they have a panel repairman at the depot and he can have a look tomorrow.
However I'd rather go through my dealer (it's a 2006 Mercedes in good condition, and from what I've seen the front panel might need being replaced) but he said that in that case it would be an insurance thing and he wouldn't have anything to do with it.

Any advice is much appreciated!

Cee-Jay-Cee

First of all report it to the guards immediately. If he decides in a weeks time he's not taking responsibility then you'll be sorry you didn't.

Secondly report it to your own insurance company, now.

Thirdly tell the other party you want the car repaired by a Mercedes approved repair shop and that you will get a quote to get it fixed. If they're not happy with that tell them you'll go through their insurance instead. They wont want that as insurance for PSV's is expensive enough without a claim on their policy.

djimi

Not much point in calling the Gardai now; they cant and wont do much once the scene is cleared. Only if there is an injury should you call them.

Contact your insurer now and have the incident on record, even if you dont plan on claiming. They will advise how to proceed from here with regards claiming from the other party.

My advice is to steer clear of the bus company and their repairman. You will only end up wasting your own time and delay getting your car fixed. Go through their insurance, get the car fixed where you want to get it fixed, and let them square it with their insurance once its all settled.

amf78

Hello,

Thank you for the advice.
Drove to the local Garda station, but it's closed.
Phoned the Cork garda station and they told me a) as long as driver & insurance info was exchanged I fulfilled my obligations and there's really no need to make a report and b) for further queries I should refer to the Douglas Garda station.

?!

djimi

You're wasting your time with the Gardai; there is nothing to report. They won't get involved. Your insurer is who you need to be in contact with and you need to inform as soon as you can.