advice needed re dispute with bus company

[Mave]

judging by the images on the google link, there's not really much room for the bus; could be over the central line whilst close in on the left.

[Retroman]

Unless any evidence is produced to show the bus was over the white line i don't think you'll get far with any claims holding them fully liable.
I wouldn't get my hopes up about their video footage either. I'm pretty sure if it did show them at fault / liable it would either go missing or just refused to be passed to you or your insurers.

Dash cam would be a good idea, then you don't need to worry so much about dishonest people.

[allergictocheese]

If it went to litigation and it turned out the bus company had destroyed cctv footage or otherwise witheld it, it would not help then in their defence.

It's not unheard of that claims with no injury and a low value end up being litigated, as solicitors undertake the donkeywork for free to get the juicy stuff and barristers do flat fee work to get the same (think circa £250 for a junior doing a half day trial).

[CaptainMorgan]

How'd anyone find out though? Plenty of failed cctv downloads happen.

[HertsBiker]

I can't believe how this has gone against the OP. Buses are supposed to serve the public, yet seem self serving. The lines on the road are in the Highway Code, and should have the same relevance as the speed limit signs. In this case the bus was over the lines and should be considered at fault, and prosecuted. How would any of you lot feel if bashed by a careless bus driver? The roads are quite simply too narrow for some buses, and therefore the buses should be barred from using them. Width kills!

[Lowtimer]

HertsBiker said:

I can't believe how this has gone against the OP. Buses are supposed to serve the public, yet seem self serving. The lines on the road are in the Highway Code, and should have the same relevance as the speed limit signs. In this case the bus was over the lines and should be considered at fault, and prosecuted. How would any of you lot feel if bashed by a careless bus driver? The roads are quite simply too narrow for some buses, and therefore the buses should be barred from using them. Width kills!

Fine: better kill all the bin trucks and HGVs and delivery vans too. Oh, and let's ban bikers from crossing the centre of the road while we're at it.

The authorities *HAVE* the availability of width restrictions where they are necessary for safety. they have chosen not to impose one here. if you are for more local authority restrictions on the roads, then that's up to you.

[anonymous-user]

allergictocheese said:

If it went to litigation and it turned out the bus company had destroyed cctv footage or otherwise witheld it, it would not help then in their defence.

It's not unheard of that claims with no injury and a low value end up being litigated, as solicitors undertake the donkeywork for free to get the juicy stuff and barristers do flat fee work to get the same (think circa £250 for a junior doing a half day trial).

In the case I was involved with, which was about an old man being injured by the incompetence of a bus driver, not only did the CCTV go missing, so did the driver. At one stage the bus company tried to deny that they even had a bus on the route that day. I kid you not.

In court there was little more than a metaphorical shrug of the shoulders at this 'lack' of evidence and the case was found in favour of the bus company.

I know it's not too demanding a job but these companies seem to employ some real lowlife drivers, and are prepared to go to great lengths to defend them when the inevitable happens.

[StevenB]

OP you could i presume see that you and the bus could not pass easily if at all in that part of the road, why did you not stop, and let him hit you ? (He should also have stopped) from what you say neither of you stopped therefore 50/50

Edited by StevenB on Tuesday 20th January 19:41

[TooMany2cvs]

HertsBiker said:

How would any of you lot feel if bashed by a careless bus driver?

About the same as if bashed by a careless Audi driver.

HertsBiker said:

The roads are quite simply too narrow for some buses, and therefore the buses should be

Given space, just the same as any other road user that's not leaving you room. Doesn't matter why. Don't bloody drive into them!

Selfishness and insistence on right of way kills!

[22Rgt]

allergictocheese said:

s4tronic said:

It feels like my words are being analysed and re-analysed to find the inconsistency and prove my fault.

Large amount of bigoted disagreeable hair splitting know it alls who will pull you apart piece by piece to prove themselves right and yourself wrong. Post a perfectly civil question on PH at your peril..