road rage- car rammed and accused left scene

italodisco

Hi all,

Just a quick question for you.

On the way to work a driver heading the opposite way to me was annoyed that he had to drive around me to pass. The road is very narrow and I was just at the end of it when he turned onto it so I assumed he'd wait and let me make the turn. Instead he flashed me demanding I moved and I simple pointed to the big space he could drive into to pass me.

I thought that was the end of it . He stopped next to me and did the 'tom hank' gesture if you get my drift, I burst into a fit of laughter and then he took off .

Unfortunately as he took off he drove into my car. The damage not major to my vehicle but still damaged. He didn't bother to stop and just took off like a mad man. The impact was slow and grinding so he was certainly aware of what just happened. I then went around the block and managed to catch him as he was stuck at a red light and desperately trying to get through it but I blocked him off.
I got out and approached his car , he got out, gave a million apologies etc etc...
Doesn't really matter as he hit my car, sped away and clearly was trying to get away when I caught up with him.
I managed to get pics of all his details / reg/ discs etc. He gave me his number as I went to leave.
I reported this whole incident to the gardai who were more annoyed that I didn't ring the second it happened. They have left it with me to decide what to do but i'm just wondering what is the most handy option.

I've no experience with accidents / insurance etc but I certainly wont be footing the bill to fix my car.

Thanks for your help

hullaballoo

What are you looking to know?

italodisco

hullaballoo wrote: »

What are you looking to know?

Well im wondering should I simply get a quote and leave it with him to decide if he wishes to pay off the record or through insurance

OR

should I make a statement and have him arrested etc. The Guard made out he'd get done for road rage/ leaving the scene along with other stuff.

I was not bothered but most people seem to think it is very wrong to not have him done, that hes a danger etc etc..

I just don't know if im too lax about the whole thing or what.

Pat Mustard

Consider sending the bills for the damages to his insurance company.

If said insurance company doesn't agree to compensate you adequately and promptly, see a solicitor and follow up with gardai regarding a criminal prosecution.

ohnonotgmail

italodisco wrote: »

Well im wondering should I simply get a quote and leave it with him to decide if he wishes to pay off the record or through insurance

OR

should I make a statement and have him arrested etc. The Guard made out he'd get done for road rage/ leaving the scene along with other stuff.

I was not bothered but most people seem to think it is very wrong to not have him done, that hes a danger etc etc..

I just don't know if im too lax about the whole thing or what.

another driver deliberately drove into you and then sped off and you need to ask if you should report him?

Zillah

Make a complaint to the guards and let the system decide if a prosecution is warranted. Once that is officially registered I imagine it would make getting his insurance to cover your damage much easier. He might also be less likely to treat other people on the road like garbage in the future.

Arbiter of Good Taste

He's an a$$hole, so expect him to deny everything. So, whatever you do, get it done quickly before he fixes any damage to his own car.

And find out if there was a witness/CCTV

AlanG

He will deny everything so make a formal complaint to the guards. Ask him to contact them and deal only with his insurance company from there out. Notify your insurance company immediately.

Malcolm600f

You would need to be alot more clear about road position etc etc , when you said he had to drive around you , did you have his side of the road blocked did you leave him in a position where he could not turn in safely .When you say a narrow road can 2 cars pass .. Most times when its a narrow road it ends up 50/50 no white lines who is in the right who is in the wrong ,, Alot of things to think about before you go down the road of insurance companies guards etc etc etc ,..I know from living on a narrow road that see's alot of accidents most times its a 50-50 decision on accidents ..

hullaballoo

Deliberately driving into another, stationary car, is in no way ever going to be 50-50.

darklighter

And leaving the scene of an accident!

italodisco

I would say the fact I was not moving , that he had clearance to passs, that he decided to stop and give me the ****@r hand gesture , take off and hit my non moving car, drive away at high speed , attempt to break lights in the distance to try get away.....

Yes I'm sure that would come across 50/50 in a court room .

Cheers though to the rest of you for the advice

Malcolm600f

hullaballoo wrote: »

Deliberately driving into another, stationary car, is in no way ever going to be 50-50.

who is to say that both drivers did not move off at the same time resulting in the cars touching ..The OP stated "I simple pointed to the big space he could drive into to pass me. " so thats showing room was not a issue and to be fair people dont deliberately drive into other cars ..there is 2 sides to every story....lol

SeanPuddin_

You won't be in a courtroom. Other posters are correct, you will need to word your statement very carefully.

Flatzie_poo

Malcolm600f wrote: »

who is to say that both drivers did not move off at the same time resulting in the cars touching ..The OP stated "I simple pointed to the big space he could drive into to pass me. " so thats showing room was not a issue and to be fair people dont deliberately drive into other cars ..there is 2 sides to every story....lol

OP asked for advice on the scenario above. That's what people are giving.

You can second guess him all you like, but if you're not prepared to take people at face value, i don't see why you're posting on Boards.

OP - report it to the guards immediately. Get it on record.

italodisco

I think the 30 second video clip i have of him apologising and saying that he didn't know what came over him that he lost the head etc might help.
I also think that if both parties are equally wrong it would be very odd for one to boot off .

Anyway I'm sure it was my fault too, sure I desrved to get rammed into , sure he only sped away in fear of the impending rain

Malcolm600f

if you read my posts I am just pointing out that there is alot of things to look at before going down the path of insurance companies court etc etc etc and there is 2 sides to every story ..
As the person already stated they have already reported it to the guards..
No witnesses no evidence only that of the 2 people ..yadda yadda yadda so on so forth alot of twists and turns can be made or said ..
The driver gave his number so phone them and try sort out what ever with them , I would say its the wisest approach

italodisco

Malcolm600f wrote: »

if you read my posts I am just pointing out that there is alot of things to look at before going down the path of insurance companies court etc etc etc and there is 2 sides to every story ..
As the person already stated they have already reported it to the guards..
No witnesses no evidence only that of the 2 people ..yadda yadda yadda so on so forth alot of twists and turns can be made or said ..
The driver gave his number so phone them and try sort out what ever with them , I would say its the wisest approach

Will do.

Rubberchikken

if he's willing to behave like you report for the sake of prehaps, a few seconds waiting, then it's easy to imagine what type of driver hge is overall.
a decent person with an ounce of intelligence would have waited. you were hardly going to be where you were for the rest of the day.

for the sake of a few moments, a little cop on and a bit of patience, this could have been avoided by him. so i would be reporting him to the gardai. he did nothing right and would have kept going if the red light hadn't been in your favour. people like him are a menace on our roads.

italodisco

Rubberchikken wrote: »

if he's willing to behave like you report for the sake of prehaps, a few seconds waiting, then it's easy to imagine what type of driver hge is overall.
a decent person with an ounce of intelligence would have waited. you were hardly going to be where you were for the rest of the day.

for the sake of a few moments, a little cop on and a bit of patience, this could have been avoided by him. so i would be reporting him to the gardai. he did nothing right and would have kept going if the red light hadn't been in your favour. people like him are a menace on our roads.

He said that he lost the rag and didn't know wat came over him . He banged into me in temper not impatience.
In saying that, I'm not a pr#ck and that's why I didn't ring the cops straight away.sometimes people do things without thinking. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, even though I had to chase him to give it lol

From what im reading hes in the wrong so deal with his insurance because if you deal with him then you'll need to know exactly what the cost is going to be and that could be more than the quote giving.

Not a 100% sure about this but as far as i know he can settle with his own insurance on the cost of repairs without having any affect on his future car insurance and anyway hes in the wrong and you want your car fix.

As for road rage charge, find out how long you have to bring a road rage charge against someone and i presume the garda took record of what you told them, just in case, also it might be best to find out if theres a free legal advice centre in your area, just for a chat

Little CuChulainn

He deliberately rammed your car. He's looking at a prosecution for endangerment, dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident. There is no such thing as a road rage charge. Endangerment is the closest you'll get. Up to you whether you want him prosecuted but I wouldn't be letting someone away with ramming my car on purpose.

Arbiter of Good Taste

italodisco wrote: »

He said that he lost the rag and didn't know wat came over him . He banged into me in temper not impatience.
In saying that, I'm not a pr#ck and that's why I didn't ring the cops straight away.sometimes people do things without thinking. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, even though I had to chase him to give it lol

Why would ringing the police in these circumstances make you a pr1ck? In fact, I would say it would be quite irresponsible not to notify the police immediately. That person has anger control issues and could cause serious harm the next time he loses his temper. He needs the fright of the threat of a criminal record.

endacl

Pat Mustard wrote: »

Consider sending the bills for the damages to his insurance company.

If said insurance company doesn't agree to compensate you adequately and promptly, see a solicitor and follow up with gardai regarding a criminal prosecution.

You won't do better than this, advice wise.

italodisco

Arbiter of Good Taste wrote: »

Why would ringing the police in these circumstances make you a pr1ck? In fact, I would say it would be quite irresponsible not to notify the police immediately. That person has anger control issues and could cause serious harm the next time he loses his temper. He needs the fright of the threat of a criminal record.

You're right.
I was just thinking last night if he had hit a bike or pedestrian would he have driven away ...

Little CuChulainn

italodisco wrote: »

You're right.
I was just thinking last night if he had hit a bike or pedestrian would he have driven away ...

Or what if you just had a baby seat in the back? People like this are dangerous.

delos

At the very least report this to your insurance company and let them deal with it.

I had a similar incident (basically I was queuing at a garage when a guy reversed from a parking place straight into the side of my stationary car), got the contact details from him and low and behold the number he gave wasn't real. Yes I know I should have rung it, but he hit the car at a fair clip and I was pretty shaken. I tracked him down and then he behaved like an ar$e over the cost. Sent his girlfriend up to dispute the bill and then claimed the crash repair guys had harassed his girlfriend. The crash repair guys were well able for him

Bottom line is that most people are OK, but I suspect you might be dealing with one who is not... As for the guards, that's your call.

Bit of advice OP and im no legal expert but get your car fix first before thinking of taking any road rage legal action against him, because his insurance might hold of from paying for damage to your car till they hear the judgement of the court, play cool and get your car fix first.

As for all this "what if" and "He deliberately rammed your car on purpose" and im not disagreeing with them but ive seen on a few occasion where car drivers are over taking another vehicle and accidently pulling in to close to the vehicle they are overtaking forcing that vehicle to brake hard to avoid collision and im sure there has been incidents where collision has occurred, im not saying he didn't deliberately rammed your car on purpose but my advice is get your car fix first.

If not then get some proper legal advice.

italodisco

thanks for all the advice so far. Luckily after receiving one ridiculous quote and one more realist one we have come to an arrangement.

By the way , whats your opinion on giving bank account details to someone via sms for them to pay into your account??

Seing as i have all his details now would it safe to do ?

nuac

1. Be very careful about giving bank account details to anybody.

2, The other driver was completely in the wrong. If you had his number you should have immediately phoned AGS, Driving up the road to block him off at the lights was risky, especially as you were understandably upset.

3, Often in vehicle damage cases AGS suggest each side settle their own, taking no further action. However on the facts here, especially leaving the scene, they would take a more serious view. Prosecution would be likely

4. However glad you got it sorted. A settlement, even if not wholly satisfactory is better than a law case.

5. btw if in a situation like this you hear yourself saying it is not the money, it's the principle, drop it.

ohnonotgmail

italodisco wrote: »

thanks for all the advice so far. Luckily after receiving one ridiculous quote and one more realist one we have come to an arrangement.

By the way , whats your opinion on giving bank account details to someone via sms for them to pay into your account??

Seing as i have all his details now would it safe to do ?

why did you not go through his insurance?

moc moc a moc

If he just bumped into you I could understand keeping it between yourselves (and the insurance companies), but a hit-and-run is a far more serious incident.

It is your civic duty to follow this up with the police.

ZENER

What side of your car was damaged ?

Ken

Arbiter of Good Taste

italodisco wrote: »

thanks for all the advice so far. Luckily after receiving one ridiculous quote and one more realist one we have come to an arrangement.

By the way , whats your opinion on giving bank account details to someone via sms for them to pay into your account??

Seing as i have all his details now would it safe to do ?

The man deliberately ran into your car and then drove away. Do you honestly think it's a good idea to give him your bank details?

thebiglad

Arbiter of Good Taste wrote: »

The man deliberately ran into your car and then drove away. Do you honestly think it's a good idea to give him your bank details?

He did not 'deliberately' ram the OP - read the posts - he got angry and accelerated in a gap which did not exist - in doing so he collided with OP.

His issue here was driving off rather than hanging around to sort it out.

Giving bank account number is not the same as credit card number, there is little he can do.

The fact that he has an angry moment (or even if he has them all the time) does not mean he will empty OPs account (even if he could) he could simply do with spending money on anger management

He is paying for the damage he caused and OP gets on with their life, maybe other guy has learned a lesson - it's over.

Arbiter of Good Taste

thebiglad wrote: »

He did not 'deliberately' ram the OP - read the posts - he got angry and accelerated in a gap which did not exist - in doing so he collided with OP.

His issue here was driving off rather than hanging around to sort it out.

Giving bank account number is not the same as credit card number, there is little he can do.

The fact that he has an angry moment (or even if he has them all the time) does not mean he will empty OPs account (even if he could) he could simply do with spending money on anger management

He is paying for the damage he caused and OP gets on with their life, maybe other guy has learned a lesson - it's over.

Oh, in that cae the next time I get a request from a Nigerian prince looking for my bank account details, I'll just hand them over, as there is "little he can do" :rolleyes:

He let his temper take over following a minor incident AND THEN DROVE OFF which is an offence. Reasonable people don't do that.

The OP can only go on what he has experienced with this guy. And to date he hasn't proven himself to be very trustworthy.

Stealthfins

From experience,I'd let the other guy's insurance pay for the damage.

Don't take a cash job,I was unlucky because I opted for the other guy to pay in cash,and he got a so called panel beater to fix it for me.
They didn't even fix the damaged headlight properly,or screw everything back together.
Put in a second hand headlamp.

The insurance companies garages are way better they're not there to try the easy way out,they'll totally fix everything that was damaged.
They are a business after all,and reputation is very important.

If that's the way you want to do it then maybe the safest way would be to get him to get a bank draft of the amount from his bank and make it payable to you, then you could make arrangements to collect it maybe if you two use the same route to work then meet somewhere along that route or whatever way you think, but i do agree with others giving your bank details could give you some sleepless nights.

Also i suggests when you do get the money and its in your bank account and you're happy enough with it, move on from this, he has learn a very expensed lesson and he still has to cover the cost for the damage to his own car and to be honest, you don't seem to be having any hassle from him and he is agreeing to pay.

italodisco

ZENER wrote: »

What side of your car was damaged ?

Ken

Tell me 'ken' is one side different to the other in terms of cost ?? Lol

ZENER

italodisco wrote: »

Tell me 'ken' is one side different to the other in terms of cost ?? Lol

Maybe not for cost but I'm not the only one here who sees holes in your 'story'. So settle it. What side of your car was damaged ?

Ken

thebiglad

Arbiter of Good Taste wrote: »

Oh, in that cae the next time I get a request from a Nigerian prince looking for my bank account details, I'll just hand them over, as there is "little he can do" :rolleyes:

He let his temper take over following a minor incident AND THEN DROVE OFF which is an offence. Reasonable people don't do that.

The OP can only go on what he has experienced with this guy. And to date he hasn't proven himself to be very trustworthy.

The nigerian prince will not ask for your bank details to scam you - they will ask for a Western Union Transfer etc. The only reason they want your bank details is to make you believe you are going to receive money but that is off topic

Just because someone had road rage and leaves scene (which for the record I agree is 100% not on) does not make them a fraudster able to empty your bank account.

italodisco

ZENER wrote: »

Maybe not for cost but I'm not the only one here who sees holes in your 'story'. So settle it. What side of your car was damaged ?

Ken

Holes in my story lol

You are asking something that you don't need to know. The only reason youd need to know would be because you were involved

Malcolm600f

italodisco wrote: »

Holes in my story lol

You are asking something that you don't need to know. The only reason youd need to know would be because you were involved

To be fair this a quote from you,..." He didn't bother to stop and just took off like a mad man. The impact was slow and grinding so he was certainly aware of what just happened"
How can he take off like a mad man and have a slow impact..Thats just one of the holes ..
The road is very narrow and I was just at the end of it when he turned onto it so I assumed he'd wait and let me make the turn did you cut him up in the first place.. were you on his side of the road forcing him to go around you on the wrong side..??

I blocked him off.
I got out and approached his car entrapment and approaching someone in a threating manner .. Not a very wise move not only most likely illegal but also we are dealing with a crazed man who tried to ram you off the road ..

italodisco

Okay Malcolm,
He took off after the impact . I apologize if I didn't write it in a clearer way.

I was not on any side of the road as the road itself is so tight there is only one lane. So its safe to assume that if someone turns onto it , as I do regularly , and a car is just at the turn to get out that it makes common sense to wait a sec and let them out of your way.

And I don't care if it is illegal , if anyone crashed into mW and burnt off I would go after them. I could not care how crazed the individual is , I'm well able to handle myself . I expected to have to chase the guy on foot , I never expected him