Road rage - advice needed!
Discussion
I was involved in an 'incident' yesterday.
Basically The-Other-Driver (TOD) got it into his head that I was blocking him, then stopped his car blocking the road in front of me (I stopped too). He then got out and started yelling abuse.
Still in our vehicle,I start apologising (something like "I just didn't see you mate...") he starts hammering the driver's window. I had no idea the things were so tough! Also tried to pull the door open, but I stopped that (he can't have tried very hard). Now he's yelling a LOT.
Having failed to get at me, he then boots the cr@p out of the lower side panels, gets bored of that and smashes off the door mirror with his fist.
This seemed to satisfy TOD's blood lust (or his hand hurt), so got back into the car and drove off.
I called 999 and gave them all the details - was given a call-ref-num and told to give a statement at the nearest cop-shop, preferably next day (woman in call centre was really calming/helpful - V impressive).
The only witness was my partner in the passenger seat.
So....
now they say they'll look into it, but they can tell me the car is registered with a woman (i.e. not TOD!). I'm not sure what to do next. May not be worth telling the InsCo unless I somehow find that they will get all the damages out of TOD the scrote - would like to maintain No-Claims-Bonus.
I am told that this amounts to some/all of:
- criminal damage
- threatening behaviour &
- road rage (new modern trendy offence)
HOWEVER the BiBs seem to be treating it as an RTA. And as we know, without any independent witnesses they don't seem to be too bothered about such things.
Any views on this? In particular what the fuzz may do?
Basically The-Other-Driver (TOD) got it into his head that I was blocking him, then stopped his car blocking the road in front of me (I stopped too). He then got out and started yelling abuse.
Still in our vehicle,I start apologising (something like "I just didn't see you mate...") he starts hammering the driver's window. I had no idea the things were so tough! Also tried to pull the door open, but I stopped that (he can't have tried very hard). Now he's yelling a LOT.
Having failed to get at me, he then boots the cr@p out of the lower side panels, gets bored of that and smashes off the door mirror with his fist.
This seemed to satisfy TOD's blood lust (or his hand hurt), so got back into the car and drove off.
I called 999 and gave them all the details - was given a call-ref-num and told to give a statement at the nearest cop-shop, preferably next day (woman in call centre was really calming/helpful - V impressive).
The only witness was my partner in the passenger seat.
So....
now they say they'll look into it, but they can tell me the car is registered with a woman (i.e. not TOD!). I'm not sure what to do next. May not be worth telling the InsCo unless I somehow find that they will get all the damages out of TOD the scrote - would like to maintain No-Claims-Bonus.
I am told that this amounts to some/all of:
- criminal damage
- threatening behaviour &
- road rage (new modern trendy offence)
HOWEVER the BiBs seem to be treating it as an RTA. And as we know, without any independent witnesses they don't seem to be too bothered about such things.
Any views on this? In particular what the fuzz may do?
It is criminal damage, not an RTA. If he booted your car resulting in damage then he is arrestable....
Also, I hate the term road rage (not a pop at you personally though)...it is either an assault or not. An assault doesn't have to be a physical punch either, but whether you felt in fear of violence.
I would elaborate a bit, but have to dash out. Feel free to email off forum if you like.
Regards. Mike.
Also, I hate the term road rage (not a pop at you personally though)...it is either an assault or not. An assault doesn't have to be a physical punch either, but whether you felt in fear of violence.
I would elaborate a bit, but have to dash out. Feel free to email off forum if you like.
Regards. Mike.
good luck pursuing this - thugs such as this have to be taught a lesson.
i had a similar incident a few years ago down a country lane but in my case the other car contained two very drunken women - at excessive speed they swerved around lane onto my side of road and ripped off mine and their wing mirrors. we both stopped and these two "ladies" startled hollering and being very abusive demanding cash from me, there and then, for their wing mirror!
i took their reg number, walked back to my car and phoned police, and asked them to wait - they buggered off hurling abuse at me.
police told me within couple of days that their car was uninsured, untaxed and she was banned.
so whilst i didn't get any money at least it enabled the police to track down a scumbag.
good luck.
i had a similar incident a few years ago down a country lane but in my case the other car contained two very drunken women - at excessive speed they swerved around lane onto my side of road and ripped off mine and their wing mirrors. we both stopped and these two "ladies" startled hollering and being very abusive demanding cash from me, there and then, for their wing mirror!
i took their reg number, walked back to my car and phoned police, and asked them to wait - they buggered off hurling abuse at me.
police told me within couple of days that their car was uninsured, untaxed and she was banned.
so whilst i didn't get any money at least it enabled the police to track down a scumbag.
good luck.
As Silverback says, its criminal damage, no RTC whatsoever, And possibly public order offences.
Even if the R/O is female doesnt mean there arnt lines of enquiry. Such as voters check on the address she lives at. Or send a NOIP to her and get her to name the driver at the time.
There are ways and means especially if you can give a good description of the male to police.
There mau be a reason for them trying to put it as a RTC but i really hope it is not the case!
Gareth
Even if the R/O is female doesnt mean there arnt lines of enquiry. Such as voters check on the address she lives at. Or send a NOIP to her and get her to name the driver at the time.
There are ways and means especially if you can give a good description of the male to police.
There mau be a reason for them trying to put it as a RTC but i really hope it is not the case!
Gareth
Get an estimate asap for repair so that when you make your statement to BiB ENSURE that it includes the fact that you wish to make a claim for compensation for the sum of.......
Should be Criminal Damage charge if offender traced and if other than a man of straw Court can order him to pay you compo.
DVD
Should be Criminal Damage charge if offender traced and if other than a man of straw Court can order him to pay you compo.
DVD
When the search function is back up, check out a thread started by bassfiend. The result (of the prosecution) is here: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=10&h=&t=115196, but you'll need to search for the original thread as the link has lapsed from his profile. IIRC, he had to push for police action too - Streaky
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