Hit and run...sort of...advice required
Discussion
I wonder if any BiB or insurance-savvy people out there can give me some advice on a situation that I really don't need to be dealing with at the moment, coming as it is on top of a number of other recent soul-destroying events to have blighted my life...
I was woken at 07:30 this morning by my next door neighbour...he had just seen another of our neighbours reverse out of her drive and into the side of my car, and then drive off. Very nice and community-minded of him to come round and tell me, and lucky he did or I wouldn't have known about it (I have flu so I wouldn't have left the house all day). Now, I was fairly annoyed at this, but I thought I'd let the tablets I'd just popped take effect before going out into the cold. So at about 08:00, and Nurofenned up to the eyeballs, I ventured out and down the road to where my car was parked - opposite The Reverser's drive - with my camera phone to take some photos. I took some of my car door - dented, scratched, and streaked with red paint - and I took some of her car bumper - pretty much undamaged but smudged with blue paint. I thought about knocking on her door to ask to swap details then, but she had no lights on so I thought I'd wait until a more sociable hour. I'm nice like that, see.
Next time I looked her car was gone, and I assume she had gone off to work (luckily she missed my car this time), so when I saw lights on at 18:00 I wandered down there with my insurance documents. I should point out that her blue-smudged red car was nowhere to be seen...
"Hello," I said, "I've just popped round to swap insurance details."
"What?" she said.
"Erm...my car...?"
"What about it?"
"I thought you reversed into it."
"No, not me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Did you see who did?"
"No."
"Oh. Oh, well, I suppose I'm going to have to involve the police then, as it looks like a hit and run."
"I suppose you will."
"You sure it wasn't you?"
"Yup."
"Does seem strange though. I mean, my car's parked right opposite your drive, there's red paint on my blue car and there's blue paint on your red car. I even took some photos."
"What with?"
"Erm...my camera phone?"
"Oh, your phone. I see."
"And my next-door neighbour saw you reverse into it."
"Did he now."
"Yes."
"Wasn't me."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"You're seriously just going to take the p1ss?"
"I do what I like. Always have.*"
"I can't believe this. So you're refusing to swap details, even though I have photos of your car's paint on the damage, photos of my car's paint on your bumper, and an eyewitness account of what happened?"
"Tell you what, you leave your insurance details with me and I'll think about it."
Then she slammed the door in my face.
(I should point out that this exchange, when written, doesn't convey the arrogance that was in her voice.)
Ooh, I was livid. I was spitting feathers (well, more phlegm than feathers, but I do have flu). So I went to my next door neighbour and asked him if he'd back me up - he said yes - and then I went to the police station and filled in some forms. The desk officer blokey said that someone would be allocated to it tomorrow and they'd come and talk to me and to her (and I assume to my next-door neighbour). I didn't get her registration number - I'm an honest bloke and it didn't cross my mind that she'd try to get out of paying - nor did I think to include it in the photos of her bumper. Like I said, I just didn't think I'd need to. Stupid, yes, but that's how it is. Maybe naive would be a better word.
So, that's what happened. What I need to know is - what more can I do? Is there anything I should or shouldn't do? Am I likely to get her to pay out, with an eyewitness and some photos? What will the police do, and how long does it generally take to sort this kind of thing out? Should I tell my insurance company yet? Etc etc etc.
Thanks in advance
Ecks
*Her exact words!!!
>> Edited by Ecks Ridgehead on Thursday 8th December 21:47
I was woken at 07:30 this morning by my next door neighbour...he had just seen another of our neighbours reverse out of her drive and into the side of my car, and then drive off. Very nice and community-minded of him to come round and tell me, and lucky he did or I wouldn't have known about it (I have flu so I wouldn't have left the house all day). Now, I was fairly annoyed at this, but I thought I'd let the tablets I'd just popped take effect before going out into the cold. So at about 08:00, and Nurofenned up to the eyeballs, I ventured out and down the road to where my car was parked - opposite The Reverser's drive - with my camera phone to take some photos. I took some of my car door - dented, scratched, and streaked with red paint - and I took some of her car bumper - pretty much undamaged but smudged with blue paint. I thought about knocking on her door to ask to swap details then, but she had no lights on so I thought I'd wait until a more sociable hour. I'm nice like that, see.
Next time I looked her car was gone, and I assume she had gone off to work (luckily she missed my car this time), so when I saw lights on at 18:00 I wandered down there with my insurance documents. I should point out that her blue-smudged red car was nowhere to be seen...
"Hello," I said, "I've just popped round to swap insurance details."
"What?" she said.
"Erm...my car...?"
"What about it?"
"I thought you reversed into it."
"No, not me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Did you see who did?"
"No."
"Oh. Oh, well, I suppose I'm going to have to involve the police then, as it looks like a hit and run."
"I suppose you will."
"You sure it wasn't you?"
"Yup."
"Does seem strange though. I mean, my car's parked right opposite your drive, there's red paint on my blue car and there's blue paint on your red car. I even took some photos."
"What with?"
"Erm...my camera phone?"
"Oh, your phone. I see."
"And my next-door neighbour saw you reverse into it."
"Did he now."
"Yes."
"Wasn't me."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"You're seriously just going to take the p1ss?"
"I do what I like. Always have.*"
"I can't believe this. So you're refusing to swap details, even though I have photos of your car's paint on the damage, photos of my car's paint on your bumper, and an eyewitness account of what happened?"
"Tell you what, you leave your insurance details with me and I'll think about it."
Then she slammed the door in my face.
(I should point out that this exchange, when written, doesn't convey the arrogance that was in her voice.)
Ooh, I was livid. I was spitting feathers (well, more phlegm than feathers, but I do have flu). So I went to my next door neighbour and asked him if he'd back me up - he said yes - and then I went to the police station and filled in some forms. The desk officer blokey said that someone would be allocated to it tomorrow and they'd come and talk to me and to her (and I assume to my next-door neighbour). I didn't get her registration number - I'm an honest bloke and it didn't cross my mind that she'd try to get out of paying - nor did I think to include it in the photos of her bumper. Like I said, I just didn't think I'd need to. Stupid, yes, but that's how it is. Maybe naive would be a better word.
So, that's what happened. What I need to know is - what more can I do? Is there anything I should or shouldn't do? Am I likely to get her to pay out, with an eyewitness and some photos? What will the police do, and how long does it generally take to sort this kind of thing out? Should I tell my insurance company yet? Etc etc etc.
Thanks in advance
Ecks
*Her exact words!!!
>> Edited by Ecks Ridgehead on Thursday 8th December 21:47
Are there others from that house that use that car?
Did your witness specifically see her or just the car?
I'm just wondering why she went out at 7.30 and came back so soon, parking the car for all to see. Is she that stupid, afterall the car wasn't there when you called back in the evening.
Goodluck anyway, it could be tricky because she now has to admit she's not only a bad driver but a liar too and that will hurt her pride.
Did your witness specifically see her or just the car?
I'm just wondering why she went out at 7.30 and came back so soon, parking the car for all to see. Is she that stupid, afterall the car wasn't there when you called back in the evening.
Goodluck anyway, it could be tricky because she now has to admit she's not only a bad driver but a liar too and that will hurt her pride.
Jamesson - It's West Kent police, and they're due to come round tomorrow, according to the desk officer. I thought my incident wouldn't be a priority, but up to six months is a real choker because I'm trying to sell it. I've already printed out some copies of the pictures; I'll inform the insurance company tomorrow. I wasn't sure about that because, well, I've never someone else damage my car before.
Piglet, Timsta - yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't there because it is being repaired. Luckily I took a couple of photos of it.
Scraggles - I was thinking of doing that, but I thought it was just being paranoid! OK - I'll get out there now with a placcy bag.
Deeps - I'm not sure if it was her, I didn't witness it. I don't know if my neighbour saw her get into the car or not. I think she lives on her own (and her having an attitude like she does would explain why). I assumed she dropped someone at the station and came back to bed before going to work. My neighbour said she picks someone up from down the road at about that time in the morning.
Thanks for all the replies, guys! I'm off to bed now - after collecting some of that red paint - so I'll check back in the morning, and keep you posted on developments.
Piglet, Timsta - yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't there because it is being repaired. Luckily I took a couple of photos of it.
Scraggles - I was thinking of doing that, but I thought it was just being paranoid! OK - I'll get out there now with a placcy bag.
Deeps - I'm not sure if it was her, I didn't witness it. I don't know if my neighbour saw her get into the car or not. I think she lives on her own (and her having an attitude like she does would explain why). I assumed she dropped someone at the station and came back to bed before going to work. My neighbour said she picks someone up from down the road at about that time in the morning.
Thanks for all the replies, guys! I'm off to bed now - after collecting some of that red paint - so I'll check back in the morning, and keep you posted on developments.
Just been down there - and the 
ing b*tch has cleaned the paint off the side of my car door! UN-BE-ING-LIEVABLE!!!
Luckily I managed to scrape a few of the little remaining flecks that could be discerned as being red into a little plastic bag, and then there's the photos as well. I just hope that's enough.
Jesus F*CKING Christ, I cannot believe the F*CKING NERVE of the woman!
ing b*tch has cleaned the paint off the side of my car door! UN-BE-ING-LIEVABLE!!! Luckily I managed to scrape a few of the little remaining flecks that could be discerned as being red into a little plastic bag, and then there's the photos as well. I just hope that's enough.
Jesus F*CKING Christ, I cannot believe the F*CKING NERVE of the woman!
borrow old landy and reverse into her car , then deny all knowlege , stupid bitch , i fitted a phone last week for some bloke who had an audi , huge dent in the passenger door , done the pre checks , fitted the kit and when he came out tried to blame the damage to the door on me 
"logged on the pda mate" i say , "oh well thought i would try" he said , arrogant w*nker , i really wanted to deck the tosser 
"logged on the pda mate" i say , "oh well thought i would try" he said , arrogant w*nker , i really wanted to deck the tosser Unbelievable mate, this woman needs nailing to the fuing boards.
I can come round tomorrow afternoon with a proper camera if you like.
Also, start a diary (I know how much you like writing!). Start with the friendly neighbour coming round, and note exactly what happened, who said what and when. It will help your case tomorrow when plod comes, and help you keep track of all the costs you're incurring (so that you can sue the sht out of the idiot when its all finished).
good luck (keeping your cool).
ing boards. I can come round tomorrow afternoon with a proper camera if you like.
Also, start a diary (I know how much you like writing!). Start with the friendly neighbour coming round, and note exactly what happened, who said what and when. It will help your case tomorrow when plod comes, and help you keep track of all the costs you're incurring (so that you can sue the sh
t out of the idiot when its all finished). good luck (keeping your cool).
Ask them if they will soco the car? If she has cleaned it up she is now committing criminal offences. 1) Tampering with a motor vehicle and probably something else I can't remember. There shouldn't be any reason for her fingerprints on your car if they were to find them.
Video her carrying out her morning manoevre so you can see that it was likely to bring her into contact with your car.
She sounds like a real cow. Hope she gets dealt with properly.
Video her carrying out her morning manoevre so you can see that it was likely to bring her into contact with your car.
She sounds like a real cow. Hope she gets dealt with properly.
Don't touch the paint transfers on your car and point out to Bib for sample and control sample to be taken.
Even if Plod disengages on the enquiry, god forbid, for there appears to be a failing to stop/report IF IT CAN BE PROVED she was aware of the contact between the two vehicles at the time (she may claim engine noise etc prevented this a legal get out) he should at least give you her Insurance details to chase a claim.
Do not forget if you have a sound witness you can take her to a small claims court to pay for your damages.
dvd
Even if Plod disengages on the enquiry, god forbid, for there appears to be a failing to stop/report IF IT CAN BE PROVED she was aware of the contact between the two vehicles at the time (she may claim engine noise etc prevented this a legal get out) he should at least give you her Insurance details to chase a claim.
Do not forget if you have a sound witness you can take her to a small claims court to pay for your damages.
dvd
She is a bit of a bunny boiler, yes. No-one in the little close where I live likes her, and they never have. She's always acting like this.
Anyway...
I just got out of bed (yes, I know it's 09:00, but I'm still ill) and looked out of my window - half expecting to find my tyres slashed - and by chance saw her reversing her car out of her garage. So I grabbed my phone (only thing to hand with a camera on it) and wandered down to get a photo of her bumper with the number plate in it, on the pretense of getting my MOT certificate out of my car, for insurance purposes, like.
When I got down there, there was an envelope on my car windscreen. As I opened it she got out of her car and wandered over. The note in the envelope said "Hey, life's too short - call me today and we'll swap details."
"Morning!" she shrieked.
"Hello," I said.
"I just want you to know that it wasn't your negotiation skills* that made me change my mind."
"I thought you said you didn't do it. Are you saying you did now?"
"I'm not admitting anything."
"So you didn't do it, but you're willing to pay for it?"
"I've got insurance. I hope you have."
"Of course. Oh, I should let you know that you might get a call from the police at some point today."
"You called the police?
"Well of course, it's a hit and run. I want to find out who did it."
"They won't get involved in civil stuff! Do you think I'm stupid? I don't blame you though, I know what your family's like."
I just smiled at that.
So I got into my car and fished around in the glove compartment, and she got in her car and started reversing out. While she was doing this she was still talking to me, but I wasn't really listening - if her insurance is paying for it then I don't care what else she has to say. Then I got the file out of my car and got out, and the last thing she said before she drove off was "And don't you try and make out it's worse than it is! I took photos as well!"
So there you go. Hopefully it'll all get sorted now, although I'm assuming that if she can make it difficult in any way, she will. I just can't believe how aggressive this woman is, though! I should point out that I'm back living with my parents after an extremely messy break-up, and so I haven't seen or spoken to this woman for about fifteen years. My parents haven't had any contact with her in probably the same amount of time. So for her to be so offensive...well, I just didn't expect it.
Thanks for all the advice everybody!
*I'll admit I wasn't aware that culpability had to be negotiated for insurance claims.
Anyway...
I just got out of bed (yes, I know it's 09:00, but I'm still ill) and looked out of my window - half expecting to find my tyres slashed - and by chance saw her reversing her car out of her garage. So I grabbed my phone (only thing to hand with a camera on it) and wandered down to get a photo of her bumper with the number plate in it, on the pretense of getting my MOT certificate out of my car, for insurance purposes, like.
When I got down there, there was an envelope on my car windscreen. As I opened it she got out of her car and wandered over. The note in the envelope said "Hey, life's too short - call me today and we'll swap details."
"Morning!" she shrieked.
"Hello," I said.
"I just want you to know that it wasn't your negotiation skills* that made me change my mind."
"I thought you said you didn't do it. Are you saying you did now?"
"I'm not admitting anything."
"So you didn't do it, but you're willing to pay for it?"
"I've got insurance. I hope you have."
"Of course. Oh, I should let you know that you might get a call from the police at some point today."
"You called the police?
"Well of course, it's a hit and run. I want to find out who did it."
"They won't get involved in civil stuff! Do you think I'm stupid? I don't blame you though, I know what your family's like."
I just smiled at that.
So I got into my car and fished around in the glove compartment, and she got in her car and started reversing out. While she was doing this she was still talking to me, but I wasn't really listening - if her insurance is paying for it then I don't care what else she has to say. Then I got the file out of my car and got out, and the last thing she said before she drove off was "And don't you try and make out it's worse than it is! I took photos as well!"
So there you go. Hopefully it'll all get sorted now, although I'm assuming that if she can make it difficult in any way, she will. I just can't believe how aggressive this woman is, though! I should point out that I'm back living with my parents after an extremely messy break-up, and so I haven't seen or spoken to this woman for about fifteen years. My parents haven't had any contact with her in probably the same amount of time. So for her to be so offensive...well, I just didn't expect it.
Thanks for all the advice everybody!
*I'll admit I wasn't aware that culpability had to be negotiated for insurance claims.
Jesus Xavier Christ! This woman is a mentalist. Where's a trigger happy Sky Marshall when you need one? 
No need to "negotiate culpability" She hit a stationary car, her fault. End of discussion.
She's still denying it? Then it's still a hit and run, treat it as such when the police come and drag the cow through the courts.
No need to "negotiate culpability" She hit a stationary car, her fault. End of discussion.
She's still denying it? Then it's still a hit and run, treat it as such when the police come and drag the cow through the courts.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I've got photos of my paint on her car and her paint on my car...plus an eyewitness who saw her do it. I think that overnight she realised that I wasn't joking about going to the police and started to get worried. After all, when I confronted her and she denied it initially she didn't realise that I had photos plus someone had seen her do it!
Raify said:
No need to "negotiate culpability" She hit a stationary car, her fault. End of discussion. She's still denying it? Then it's still a hit and run, treat it as such when the police come and drag the cow through the courts.
I was being sarky when I said I didn't realise that you needed to negotiate culpability...! I know she only mentioned "negotiation skill" as a jibe - same as the dig at my family. But there are people whose opinion matters to me, and there are people whose opinion doesn't...and she falls into the latter category, so she can say what she likes.
Similarly, if she's agreed to pay then I have no interest in dragging it through the courts, even if she still denies responsibility. The only thing I want is for her to pay for the damage that she did...sorry, for whoever did it to pay for the damage that they did...to my car. If she wants to pretend that it wasn't her but still pay for the damage, that's fine by me. She's a bitter little nobody, and she's not worthy of any more of my time and energy than is absolutely necessary to sort out the claim.
Now, Cillit Bang, on the other hand...
>> Edited by Ecks Ridgehead on Friday 9th December 10:34
At the end of the day, if she could have got away with it then she would have. Let the Police report her failing to stop etc. She tried to lie to you in the first instance and has only decided to play ball after realising the possible consequences.
She sounds to me like she thinks she knows how to play the game 'civil matter' and all that. I'm sure once BiB speak to her, she will wind them up with similar nonsense and they'll make a point of pursuing it.
She sounds to me like she thinks she knows how to play the game 'civil matter' and all that. I'm sure once BiB speak to her, she will wind them up with similar nonsense and they'll make a point of pursuing it.
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