Accident help

[pjskel]

Guys (and gals), need some input from yourselves on this matter.
Last week, had a bit of a shunt - I'll not bother with the details suffice to say my fault ultimately.
Both parties agreed there were no injuries to contend with, and as such exchanged details and not bother the police.
Long story short, finished with the company on Friday, and now they're yapping about wanting a police reference number.
I've told them we didn't call the police as there was no need to.
They've said they want the police informed, as does the insurance company.
Basically, can they demand this or are they being arses?

Also, I've noticed a few aches and pains set in my neck, shoulders, back, and knees - as the accident was my fault, can I claim for injuries or is it tough titties?
Having been rear-ended and sandwiched between a van and car previously (16-18 months ago), aside from a bit of upper back pain for a day or so, I was as right as rain - not so this time. Never bothered claiming as I was fine.
How does this then fit in with their demands.

It seems they are refusing to send me the paperwork to fill in.


Cheers everyone.

[shuvitupya]

It's normally the 'non-fault' driver/passengers that will try and claim for injury and compensation.

Maybe this is what they are trying to do ?

[pjskel]

Don't know, but the guy, who was driving the car, which belongs to a friend, said he wasn't looking to claim.
Of course, he's free to change his mind, especially if like me, he's feeling some aches and pains.

I have his number, might call him for a quick chat to see how he is and to see what he's done - claimed himself or passed on my details and whatnot to the vehicle owner to take care of.

[deeps]

pjskel said:

Long story short, finished with the company on Friday, and now they're yapping about wanting a police reference number.
I've told them we didn't call the police as there was no need to.
They've said they want the police informed, as does the insurance company.
Basically, can they demand this or are they being arses?

Also, I've noticed a few aches and pains set in my neck, shoulders, back, and knees - as the accident was my fault, can I claim for injuries or is it tough titties?

It seems they are refusing to send me the paperwork to fill in.
Cheers everyone.

I hate the compensation society we have today! Sounds like they're trying to claim for injuries that are probably fictional. (Sounds like you're gonna do the same in retaliation, no offence). If you're fully comp' I would have thought you can claim for injuries too.

I'm no expert, but if the police weren't informed at the time, what's the point or advantage to the insurance company in informing them now? If that's what they want though, then inform them to comply.

Are you claiming on your ex-employers insurance, and he smells a rat?
I would still think he is obliged to send you the paperwork whatever the circumstances.

[pjskel]

As I said above, at the time we were fine, and we both stated as much and wouldn't be looking for money for nothing.
I don't know about the other chap, but I've got a few most definitely non-fictional pains, which only showed themselves on Sunday evening. From Wednesday evening 'til then, I felt absolutely fine.
Again, I'm not going to cast aspertions on the other guy, but it's not exactly unheard of that they speak with others who change their mindset for them. Equally, if like myself, I'd not want him to unduly suffer as a result.

Fairs fair at the end of the day, and I too have a despise of our American-trend of claiming for every little thing and not accepting responsibility for our own actions/mistakes. But that doesn't mean we have to accept negligence either - just be and act sensibly.
Alas, for some the lure and temptation of easy, free money is too much - and given our society is money and material goods driven, who can blame them for wanting something they might never have been able to attain otherwise.
As such, we're victims of our own making to a certain degree.

[pjskel]

Well, just received a solicitor's letter - so looks like the chap in question maybe did suffer an ache or two, or has been talked into claiming after all. Who knows?
Meanwhile the Ireland office boss has sent me another email saying nothing is being done until he gets a police report.

So, I guess the question now becomes if I do as he wants, do I leave myself open to prosecution or can't they use it as it'd be self incrimination? Or am I thinking of the US's 5th amendment?

[tigger1]

If legally you weren't required to inform the police then it depends what T+Cs you had with your employer about "in the event of an accident".

[^Slider^]

Ok,

So you stopped and exchanged details with the other party.

There was no injury to anyone at the scene (bear in mind injury has to be caused to anyperson other than the driver)

Therfore no requirement to inform local police as no injury.

So your boss wants you to report the accident before he gives you the claim form. I would just refer the solicitors letter to the boss stating you complied with the Road Traffic Act and that there is no requirement to inform the police.

Also reply to the solicitor informing them that the matter is now in the hands of the boss and all correspondance is with them.

If your TnC's for the company car state all accidents must be reported to police then i would suggest you just pop into the nick whereby you will probably be told to go away. And tell the boss that they will not generate a report number.

Company policy will never overrule the law.

And you have complied with the law.

Job done

[pjskel]

Thanks guys - confirms my own thoughts and views.
Only the driver was in the car - likewise myself.

Should add that the contract was very ad hoc - and no conditions were discussed prior to notifying the boss and insurers.

Edited by pjskel on Thursday 3rd August 16:01