Involved in an accident - what's likely to happen next
Discussion
I posted on this yesterday but removed and figured I'd re-hash with less detail.
Earlier this week I was in a head-on at no fault of my own, not only was the other driver driving against a signed one-way system (albeit a temporary one) but he was uninsured, didn't hold a full license and TWOC (dad's car). As well as the obvious contraventions he was also driving like an utter tool.
Both cars full loss no doubts about that.
I've suffered minor injuries consistent with a heavy jolt with seatbelt contact areas deeply bruised, sore right ankle but no major issues.
I've reported to insurer and given the other reg number and police incident and they've confirmed full loss and commenced the settlement process.
I'm not really sure what to expect next. Am I likely to become embroiled in some legal process involving the other driver? If he stole the car and/or was completely uninsured does that mean it will end up as a fault claim or can they involve the owner's insurer?
I have given further info to the police with my report of the above but it seemed to me at the time they were really interested in just recovering the cars and re-opening the road without asking much about what happened, would there be a routine follow up enquiry looking to establish what the kid was doing? Obviously, I'm hoping he gets the book thrown at him but that seems laughably naive these days.
Earlier this week I was in a head-on at no fault of my own, not only was the other driver driving against a signed one-way system (albeit a temporary one) but he was uninsured, didn't hold a full license and TWOC (dad's car). As well as the obvious contraventions he was also driving like an utter tool.
Both cars full loss no doubts about that.
I've suffered minor injuries consistent with a heavy jolt with seatbelt contact areas deeply bruised, sore right ankle but no major issues.
I've reported to insurer and given the other reg number and police incident and they've confirmed full loss and commenced the settlement process.
I'm not really sure what to expect next. Am I likely to become embroiled in some legal process involving the other driver? If he stole the car and/or was completely uninsured does that mean it will end up as a fault claim or can they involve the owner's insurer?
I have given further info to the police with my report of the above but it seemed to me at the time they were really interested in just recovering the cars and re-opening the road without asking much about what happened, would there be a routine follow up enquiry looking to establish what the kid was doing? Obviously, I'm hoping he gets the book thrown at him but that seems laughably naive these days.
theboss said:
I'm not really sure what to expect next. Am I likely to become embroiled in some legal process involving the other driver? If he stole the car and/or was completely uninsured does that mean it will end up as a fault claim or can they involve the owner's insurer?
The car owners insurance will cover the third party (you), stolen or not. Sorry to hear that OP, did the police officers tell you at the time he has taken the car without consent etc?
Simply, your insurance will claim from the insurance policy on the other vehicle. The police will deal with the TWOC (it's aggravated TWOC) and associated document offences and may require you as a witness if it's required.
If you have an incident number it may be worth calling the force in question just to clarify what happens next just to avoid any confusion etc.
Simply, your insurance will claim from the insurance policy on the other vehicle. The police will deal with the TWOC (it's aggravated TWOC) and associated document offences and may require you as a witness if it's required.
If you have an incident number it may be worth calling the force in question just to clarify what happens next just to avoid any confusion etc.
Greendubber said:
Sorry to hear that OP, did the police officers tell you at the time he has taken the car without consent etc?
Yes they did. I've tried making contact but figured its early days, the assigned officer is busy enough and have therefore made an online submission just reporting more info about my recollections in the moments leading up to the accident. Hopefully they will get in touch.I've had a letter from the police asking for a formal witness report and stating they are investigating driving offences of the other driver which *may* include driving without due care and attention. I haven't filled in the form yet but have alleged that he was driving very fast for the conditions (blind bind, no way he could stop in distance he could see etc. not withstanding the fact he was driving the wrong way down the one-way system).
Meanwhile my car has been written off, to my surprise a reasonable settlement figure (comparable to similar car asking prices on AT) was offered.
My policy which was just recently renewed has been cancelled and I've also lost my multi-car discount meaning I have to cough up several hundred pounds extra, which is trivial in the overall scheme of things but f
king annoying when a new policy ends and the premium has been swallowed. I also understand the NCD is effectively 0 until the claim is closed and determined to be fault or no-fault which means if I were to insure a new vehicle I'd be paying the whole policy term again at a greatly inflated cost.
I get the impression unless my injury were 'serious' by the legal definition then my involvement in this accident seems to be of no real legal consequence to the other driver.
I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow privately for a check-up and have some sharp rib pains which may be consistent with a fracture. NHS at the time was utterly useless, A&E I gave up with and my GP after hearing I'd been in a head-on with airbags deployed and heavy bruising didn't think an in-person appointment was necessary.
I suspect after causing me quite a lot of pain and losses the other driver suffers some minor inconvenience, court hearing and a few points on his non-existent license.
Meanwhile my car has been written off, to my surprise a reasonable settlement figure (comparable to similar car asking prices on AT) was offered.
My policy which was just recently renewed has been cancelled and I've also lost my multi-car discount meaning I have to cough up several hundred pounds extra, which is trivial in the overall scheme of things but f
king annoying when a new policy ends and the premium has been swallowed. I also understand the NCD is effectively 0 until the claim is closed and determined to be fault or no-fault which means if I were to insure a new vehicle I'd be paying the whole policy term again at a greatly inflated cost.I get the impression unless my injury were 'serious' by the legal definition then my involvement in this accident seems to be of no real legal consequence to the other driver.
I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow privately for a check-up and have some sharp rib pains which may be consistent with a fracture. NHS at the time was utterly useless, A&E I gave up with and my GP after hearing I'd been in a head-on with airbags deployed and heavy bruising didn't think an in-person appointment was necessary.
I suspect after causing me quite a lot of pain and losses the other driver suffers some minor inconvenience, court hearing and a few points on his non-existent license.
If you do have some form of “serious” injury - of which a fractured rib would count - then this driver may be looked at in respect of the relatively new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.
I dealt with a not altogether dissimilar case myself a few years back involving juvenile who committed an aggravated twoc and caused some substantial damage to a property, which (to my great surprise) resulted in custodial time for them.
I dealt with a not altogether dissimilar case myself a few years back involving juvenile who committed an aggravated twoc and caused some substantial damage to a property, which (to my great surprise) resulted in custodial time for them.
theboss said:
My policy which was just recently renewed has been cancelled and I've also lost my multi-car discount meaning I have to cough up several hundred pounds extra, which is trivial in the overall scheme of things but fking annoying when a new policy ends and the premium has been swallowed. I also understand the NCD is effectively 0 until the claim is closed and determined to be fault or no-fault which means if I were to insure a new vehicle I'd be paying the whole policy term again at a greatly inflated cost.
If you were to insure another car, you'd get the multi-car discount back I presume?king annoying when a new policy ends and the premium has been swallowed. I also understand the NCD is effectively 0 until the claim is closed and determined to be fault or no-fault which means if I were to insure a new vehicle I'd be paying the whole policy term again at a greatly inflated cost.With regards to the NCD I'd check your docs to see what happens to it in the case of a fault and a non fault claim. Then ask your ins co how they deal with the period where fault is to be determined and when they will determine that. You may also find that the effect it has on the premium isn't as great as you thought.
Sticks. said:
I had a head on years ago with someone who was on the wrong side of the road. It went legal and their side offered to accept 75% liability, with no reason to back it up. So beware! Good luck.
That's where your own insurance comes into its own. You make the claim and they sort out the fight. One may have a vested/moral interest in the liability outcome, but in the grand scheme of things it's not that big a deal as your insurance is taking care of it all.BertBert said:
If you were to insure another car, you'd get the multi-car discount back I presume?
With regards to the NCD I'd check your docs to see what happens to it in the case of a fault and a non fault claim. Then ask your ins co how they deal with the period where fault is to be determined and when they will determine that. You may also find that the effect it has on the premium isn't as great as you thought.
I'm in no great rush to replace the car lost which was a 3rd car and runaround, I'm going on holiday next month (hopefully) and would aim to wait until at least then, it just hurts to be levied with even further costs at a point when I've done absolutely nothing wrong. It seems from insurer that the claim is treated as if its fault in terms of NCD, until such a time when all the facts are established, and the matter is closed.With regards to the NCD I'd check your docs to see what happens to it in the case of a fault and a non fault claim. Then ask your ins co how they deal with the period where fault is to be determined and when they will determine that. You may also find that the effect it has on the premium isn't as great as you thought.
Sticks. said:
Seeing a Dr for an assessment is a good idea - NHS response is shocking and not surprising at the same time. I imagine they'll do a written report for you.
I'd suggest keeping a diary of how you feel, and how it affects you and any extra costs. Sometimes injuries which you think aren't too bad can drag on and make a difference to what you can do for some time.
I had a head on years ago with someone who was on the wrong side of the road. It went legal and their side offered to accept 75% liability, with no reason to back it up. So beware! Good luck.
Thanks, good advice. Yes on the day it happened I figured it was just bruising and that I was going to be sore next day. I probably did myself no favours by leaving A&E but the scene was just dysfunctional, and I have medical history which includes serious negligence at the hands of A&E which meant that my patience for the process was non-existant. As mentioned I tried to follow up with a GP thinking I could get a referral for imaging but was told there was no need for any appointment.I'd suggest keeping a diary of how you feel, and how it affects you and any extra costs. Sometimes injuries which you think aren't too bad can drag on and make a difference to what you can do for some time.
I had a head on years ago with someone who was on the wrong side of the road. It went legal and their side offered to accept 75% liability, with no reason to back it up. So beware! Good luck.
Now I've engaged private (non-emergency) cover so have had a check-up this morning with a surgeon, CT scans tomorrow, its currently suspected I may have one or more rib fractures.
I have a pre-existing spinal complication, until recently there was no real issues, no neurological change, but now I'm feeling a lot of pressure and discomfort in the lumbar area so am also seeking a referral with the spinal unit that manages it. The last thing I need is any exacerbation of the existing condition or new injury there.
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