Just how far does one go - third party in denial
Discussion
I'm not looking for advice per se as I've basically gone all in already. Also go easy on me as I've not posted on here for a long time!
I cannot be too specific as the case is ongoing but this is it in a nutshell:
My car has been lightly hit from behind by a car in slow moving traffic in a very public area in what I feel was a road rage/deliberate incident. There is very minor damage that needs to be repaired (less that £500 and less than my excess). The driver and their passenger denied any contact had occurred but but I took good photos of the scene. Details were given reluctantly but only after assistance from members of the pubic and staff in the area. Sadly no formal witness.
When my partner (who was expecting at the time) told them her state and asked why they hit us, the driver said we should have let us in. Honestly when I found this out it triggered quite a bit of anger but thankfully I only found this out later!
So, I reported him to the police implying he was driving carelessly that day. I've also instructed an accident management company to repair my car. To be honest, they're useless and initially having wasted my time taking on the claim initially only to give up because the third party continues to deny that contact was made. They seem to be trying again but its been a while. In the meantime I must admit I've gone to rather a lot of effort to prove he is indeed at fault. Highlight currently is the inconclusive CCTV and taking stills from it that prove contact even though the moment itself was partially obscured.
I'm rather enjoying working out what I can in the classic internet sleuth way (though devoting it far too much time). I know the classic line would be I should give up and pay out of my own pocket for simplicity but the attitude of the driver and their passenger has angered me so much that I feel I will stop at nothing until he realises the error of their ways.
My partner is supportive of this venture (sadly we suffered early loss shortly after this incident) but only to a point, that point is probably before I start hammering frozen sausages into their lawn...
To what level have others gone? I feel I need to know I'm not too far from obsessive
I cannot be too specific as the case is ongoing but this is it in a nutshell:
My car has been lightly hit from behind by a car in slow moving traffic in a very public area in what I feel was a road rage/deliberate incident. There is very minor damage that needs to be repaired (less that £500 and less than my excess). The driver and their passenger denied any contact had occurred but but I took good photos of the scene. Details were given reluctantly but only after assistance from members of the pubic and staff in the area. Sadly no formal witness.
When my partner (who was expecting at the time) told them her state and asked why they hit us, the driver said we should have let us in. Honestly when I found this out it triggered quite a bit of anger but thankfully I only found this out later!
So, I reported him to the police implying he was driving carelessly that day. I've also instructed an accident management company to repair my car. To be honest, they're useless and initially having wasted my time taking on the claim initially only to give up because the third party continues to deny that contact was made. They seem to be trying again but its been a while. In the meantime I must admit I've gone to rather a lot of effort to prove he is indeed at fault. Highlight currently is the inconclusive CCTV and taking stills from it that prove contact even though the moment itself was partially obscured.
I'm rather enjoying working out what I can in the classic internet sleuth way (though devoting it far too much time). I know the classic line would be I should give up and pay out of my own pocket for simplicity but the attitude of the driver and their passenger has angered me so much that I feel I will stop at nothing until he realises the error of their ways.
My partner is supportive of this venture (sadly we suffered early loss shortly after this incident) but only to a point, that point is probably before I start hammering frozen sausages into their lawn...
To what level have others gone? I feel I need to know I'm not too far from obsessive
From previous experience, if the TP is denying hitting your car, then the insurers should send an inspector out to see if there is any damage to the TP vehicle, of if any repairs appear to have taken place.
Can you actually see the impact, or any evidence of the impact such as vehicle move at the point of impact on the CCTV?
If there is nothing conclusive on the CCTV, and no witnesses, then the likelihood is that it wont come to anything.
Can you actually see the impact, or any evidence of the impact such as vehicle move at the point of impact on the CCTV?
If there is nothing conclusive on the CCTV, and no witnesses, then the likelihood is that it wont come to anything.
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
From previous experience, if the TP is denying hitting your car, then the insurers should send an inspector out to see if there is any damage to the TP vehicle, of if any repairs appear to have taken place.
.
I got accused of hitting someone (a parked car) and they asked for photos of my van. Never sent anyone out. Was dropped on the day before court..
shost said:
When my partner (*emotive stuff removed*) asked why they hit us, the driver said we should have let us in.
I'm going to play devils advocate (because I'm often the one getting the door shut upon and its utterly moronic) but if she played "lets actively close the gap on mergers" in a merge in turn situation, then this is likely to happen sooner or later. Not saying its right, but, its the game you play. I saw a van very, vey nearly take out someone (at around 40mph vs stationary) who decided to block the right lane in a merge situation recently.As far as pursuing it goes - drop it. You'll v likely get nowhere and you are highly emotive/wound up as it was your Mrs driving and you are being protective. Understandable, but really, all you'll get is an ulcer.
Griffith4ever said:
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
From previous experience, if the TP is denying hitting your car, then the insurers should send an inspector out to see if there is any damage to the TP vehicle, of if any repairs appear to have taken place.
.
I got accused of hitting someone (a parked car) and they asked for photos of my van. Never sent anyone out. Was dropped on the day before court..
Clarifications; I was driving, my partner the passenger. The TP's car after I moved forward and stopped to check the damage was about 6-8 inches off the back of my car with a matching smudge in the dirt to my scuff. I did put in the police report that it was likely deliberate due to not being let in, that he was very close to the side of my car too. (I could have let him in but then all the people behind me in the queue would have been on my case for letting loads of cars in instead #cantwin).
The CCTV doesn't disprove it either, both vehicles moving together and light enough touch, so not clear cut from that aspect. However, the driver was the insured, the car was there and there can be no pretending it wasn't. I also have pictures of my car soon before the incident showing no damage. Their only argument thus far is the damage must be old and they didn't feel anything themselves.
Its frustrating, (and ignoring the emotive stuff), because it feels like we have significant evidence to say he was responsible in all likelihood.
Off to take some Gaviscon
The CCTV doesn't disprove it either, both vehicles moving together and light enough touch, so not clear cut from that aspect. However, the driver was the insured, the car was there and there can be no pretending it wasn't. I also have pictures of my car soon before the incident showing no damage. Their only argument thus far is the damage must be old and they didn't feel anything themselves.
Its frustrating, (and ignoring the emotive stuff), because it feels like we have significant evidence to say he was responsible in all likelihood.
Off to take some Gaviscon
Edited by shost on Tuesday 29th July 14:23
Last year I had a doctor move cones to a sectioned off parking area in the hotel on Isle of Man and park his car in the rear of mine. He denied he did it, then claimed I'd arrived after him and him him. Police called as he wouldn't swap details. Hotel CCTV shown to the police showed him hitting my car. Police got his details and gave to me.
When home, he again denied he was there. My witnesses, photos, he then reverted to I'd hit him. Police wouldn't do anything as he sits on boards for the island govt, hotel wouldn't give cctv to insurance without police say so, so I never got it.
Insurance said they pay chip repair for the back end, but it was crazed/wouldn't match, and they wouldn't pay for other damage, broken spring, rammed exhaust so the manifold bent etc. In the end I paid to get it all done properly, cost me £10k.
So less than £500. Pay yourself and move on. If you have his address, leaflet his neighbours with a warning about his attitude and behaviour if it makes you feel better. Neighbours like knowing dirt.
Byker28i said:
Last year I had a doctor move cones to a sectioned off parking area in the hotel on Isle of Man and park his car in the rear of mine. He denied he did it, then claimed I'd arrived after him and him him. Police called as he wouldn't swap details. Hotel CCTV shown to the police showed him hitting my car. Police got his details and gave to me.
When home, he again denied he was there. My witnesses, photos, he then reverted to I'd hit him. Police wouldn't do anything as he sits on boards for the island govt, hotel wouldn't give cctv to insurance without police say so, so I never got it.
Insurance said they pay chip repair for the back end, but it was crazed/wouldn't match, and they wouldn't pay for other damage, broken spring, rammed exhaust so the manifold bent etc. In the end I paid to get it all done properly, cost me £10k.
So less than £500. Pay yourself and move on. If you have his address, leaflet his neighbours with a warning about his attitude and behaviour if it makes you feel better. Neighbours like knowing dirt.
Thats insanely infuriating. I'd be tempted to inform the GMC as fitness to practice and probity is impaired. They take allegations like that pretty seriously. When home, he again denied he was there. My witnesses, photos, he then reverted to I'd hit him. Police wouldn't do anything as he sits on boards for the island govt, hotel wouldn't give cctv to insurance without police say so, so I never got it.
Insurance said they pay chip repair for the back end, but it was crazed/wouldn't match, and they wouldn't pay for other damage, broken spring, rammed exhaust so the manifold bent etc. In the end I paid to get it all done properly, cost me £10k.
So less than £500. Pay yourself and move on. If you have his address, leaflet his neighbours with a warning about his attitude and behaviour if it makes you feel better. Neighbours like knowing dirt.
I had thought of writing to his neighbours too! Expect my partner would veto that one.
If insurance doesn't go through then definitely would consider small claims as a last resort. The lack of decency of people is galling - they're an older couple but age doesn't mean they've learned any manners or respect.
shost said:
.......... the driver said we should have let us in. Honestly when I found this out it triggered quite a bit of anger.......
.....the attitude of the driver and their passenger has angered me so much that I feel I will stop at nothing until he realises the error of their ways.
.....the attitude of the driver and their passenger has angered me so much that I feel I will stop at nothing until he realises the error of their ways.
shost said:
.....I could have let him in but then all the people behind me in the queue would have been on my case for letting loads of cars in instead......
Sounds like an anger management course and a few extra driving lessons are called for.If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
This scenario is why I bought a BlackVue dashcam. The box comes with both front and rear cameras. Stick the rear camera on the rear window and then tuck the cable inside the headlining all the way to the front camera l. Job done. Captures time stamped and gps stamped video footage of them driving into the back of you, no denying it.
Yellow Lizud said:
Sounds like an anger management course and a few extra driving lessons are called for.
If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
It's rarely "pushing in". Usually its called merging in turn.If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
And as for the "cars behind being on my case" - what exactly were they going to do? I actually let in loads of cars just to p
s off all the people that "shut the door" on them :-)Griffith4ever said:
Yellow Lizud said:
Sounds like an anger management course and a few extra driving lessons are called for.
If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
It's rarely "pushing in". Usually its called merging in turn.If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
OP , I’m sorry about your early loss but to answer your original last line point , yes you are being obsessive.
Nothing wrong with that but not convinced that is good for either of your stress levels.
Personally would have let it go given the circumstances or just called my Insurers.
Best of luck to you.
Nothing wrong with that but not convinced that is good for either of your stress levels.
Personally would have let it go given the circumstances or just called my Insurers.
Best of luck to you.
Yellow Lizud said:
Sounds like an anger management course and a few extra driving lessons are called for.
If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
The trouble with this forum and trying not to describe this incident with detail that might compromise the investigation/claim etc is highlighted by your comment. If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
I was and am a calm individual but when someone who doesn't get their way (i.e tries to force their car into a gap that doesn't exist) then deliberately drives too closely and hits your car as a result they're the ones with anger. If someone is disrespectful to your family and your just shrug your shoulders is that better? I write this on a car forum as people here I would think enjoy and cherish their cars and to an extent treat them as family. If someone slaps your wife or partner across the face in a public area what do you do? I'm not going to go Manchester Airport on them but I do expect them to have some recompense beyond us both going oh well.
Unfortunetely context is everything and some of the posts above (predictibly) try to unpick the incident which is not my question and never was.
shost said:
Yellow Lizud said:
Sounds like an anger management course and a few extra driving lessons are called for.
If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
The trouble with this forum and trying not to describe this incident with detail that might compromise the investigation/claim etc is highlighted by your comment. If somebody really wants to push in - let them. What does it matter?
I was and am a calm individual but when someone who doesn't get their way (i.e tries to force their car into a gap that doesn't exist) then deliberately drives too closely and hits your car as a result they're the ones with anger. If someone is disrespectful to your family and your just shrug your shoulders is that better? I write this on a car forum as people here I would think enjoy and cherish their cars and to an extent treat them as family. If someone slaps your wife or partner across the face in a public area what do you do? I'm not going to go Manchester Airport on them but I do expect them to have some recompense beyond us both going oh well.
Unfortunetely context is everything and some of the posts above (predictibly) try to unpick the incident which is not my question and never was.
You used the word 'anger' twice in relation to yourself and you also said you refused to let him in.
Obviously the other car should not have driven into you, but there are people like that on our roads. Unfortunately I think you brought a lot of this on yourself, karma if you like. Maybe step back a bit, have a think about it and work out what you could do next time to avoid your car getting damaged.
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