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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: flyingzard on 03 February 2010, 23:21

Title: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: flyingzard on 03 February 2010, 23:21
Coming up to a large traffic lighted roundabout the inside 2 lanes were blocked due to the early morning traffic but the outside lane was clear which was kinda cool as that was the lane i needed. About 3 car lengths from the lights a white trannie van decided that he wanted my lane.

Basically he took my lane whilst i was alongside him The damage to the car was primarily caused by his drivers side wheel wacking me passenger side front alloy. Pushed me clear off the road across a high kerbed central reservation thingy. Came to a standstill in the middle of a 3 lane roundabout!

Steering is shafted and well the piccie shows it all really. It was one 'ell of a whack of a steely on alloy!!

He didnt admit anything but i wasnt expecting him to. He did say that he decided to change his mind on his route to work due to traffic congestion and hence needing my lane but thats all. He then had the audacity to say i was speeding which i wasnt. It was only after then that i thought that if he thought i was speeping then he must have seen me and therefore why pull out on me....!

Anyone had anything similar and can give any good advice? I am hopeful that the evidence is enough to prove that it was his fault but not ever in 18 years of driving needed to make a claim or am i just a little bit nieve and it will blaightenly be classed as knock for knock.

I am heading out tomorrow morning to take some snaps of where i went off roading in the hope that there are tyre marks in the grass to prove thats where he pushed me off the road. probably 40 or more people saw it but did one person stop - not a chuffin chance!

(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn151/zardmister/Photo008.jpg)
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: snakehips on 04 February 2010, 08:04
That really sucks, and that's why I give all white vans a wide berth!
Did you have any witnesses? It's going to be really tough for you to prove fault without a 3rd party corroborating your story.
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Gene Hunt. on 04 February 2010, 09:09
Bad news mate.Just try & get all the details down on paper so there still fresh in you'r mind & then contact the insurance company & give them everything that was said,do a drawing on paper showing were you'r car was at the time of impact etc.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: wuker on 04 February 2010, 11:01
I that sort of situation I would have called the boys in blue

Let them decide who was at fault, i hope you got all of his details
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: flyingzard on 04 February 2010, 15:04
thanks for all your advice. Its currently set as third party (white van man)and that has been sent to his company insurance. Its up to then to accept or deny those claims.

I went back to where it happened earlier to take some photos and where he pushed me off the road there is no more than 18 inch clearance between my tyre track and pole mounted street light!! I was very lucky the twonk didn't do more damage to my car and me!
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: sambo on 04 February 2010, 18:22
Being a white van mad myself I would say you were probably in his blind spot which all vans suffer from very badly ( can't look over your shoulder). That and he changed his mind, was in a rush and had to act quick in the traffic and there goes the front end of your car.

Definately sound's like his fault. If you didn't change lanes then there's not much that can go against you? or did you both decide you wanted the outside lane?

Have you got any witnesses?

Sam
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: mr magoo on 04 February 2010, 20:41
Nasty nasty damage - really sorry to see  :cry:

Clearly his fault - he's changed lanes in to you.

Knock-for-knock doesn't really exist any more - tends to be settled these days on a strict liability basis, eg: 100%/0, 75/25, 50/50 etc.

Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: pitman4u on 05 February 2010, 13:14
witnesses needed mate. my mum had a similar bump in her lexus last year totaly other drivers fault but wouldnt admit it. so it was her word against his
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Vman on 05 February 2010, 15:14
Get yourself down to the doctors asap, you might have whiplash or something, you can bet the white van man has already.
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: flyingzard on 05 February 2010, 15:58
Thanks for advice and kind words.  :smiley:

I was in the lane already and he definately joined my lane with me alongside him. That i can remember!!

I reckon i must have been in his blind spot although his decision to change lanes was very sudden due to a change of plans on his route due to traffic congestion which he did admit to me. Probably a case of oh i cannot be bothered to sit in traffic, i could go the back way, oh i could make the lights if i did that.... move..... BANG!

Been to my doctor and i have whip lash. Feels a lot better now fortunately.

May have struck the jackpot - above the traffic light there is a CCTV camera pointing down the lane i was in. Waiting on a chap to phone me back from the city CCTV dept. Fingers crossed it was pointing that way on the morning of the accident and that it is angled down enough to see what happened. It'll only be a 2 or 3 frames a sec camera but it should prove that he rammed me off the road if it was looking at us.
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: rjwojcik on 06 February 2010, 02:33
May have struck the jackpot - above the traffic light there is a CCTV camera pointing down the lane i was in. Waiting on a chap to phone me back from the city CCTV dept. Fingers crossed it was pointing that way on the morning of the accident and that it is angled down enough to see what happened. It'll only be a 2 or 3 frames a sec camera but it should prove that he rammed me off the road if it was looking at us.

Fingers crossed for you
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Mikester on 06 February 2010, 09:53
I had basically exactly the same thing happen to me last year in my mk3.

I wouldnt admit that it was my fault or 50/50. It eventually went that it was 50/50 but his side paid my excess. Which wasnt the end of the world.

Still annoying!
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Gene Hunt. on 06 February 2010, 10:12
May have struck the jackpot - above the traffic light there is a CCTV camera pointing down the lane i was in. Waiting on a chap to phone me back from the city CCTV dept. Fingers crossed it was pointing that way on the morning of the accident and that it is angled down enough to see what happened. It'll only be a 2 or 3 frames a sec camera but it should prove that he rammed me off the road if it was looking at us.

Fingers crossed for you
........same here.Keep us posted.  :wink:  :smiley:
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Jimble on 07 February 2010, 12:33
Something to remember if (touch wood) anything happens to anyone like this, "PHONE THE POLICE!" get a crime number and the attending officers name and you should never have any problems with anyone admitting liability, also most people have camera phones these days take photo's asap even if you have to ask a passer by! I know it's easy to say after the incident and when it's all happening theres that element of shock but try to keep calm.
Sorry to see the damage mate, Gutting! Fingers crossed for the camera bud and hope it all works out. :wink:
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Saint Steve on 07 February 2010, 18:51
Was this in southampton Flyingzard??
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: flyingzard on 07 February 2010, 22:03
yeah ironically enough the same junction that i saw you on the road - just going the other way. Road down from Kanes Hill to Junction 7 roundabout over the M27. The guy i hit still on Friday had not reported it to his insurance co. He is hoping i wont claim for some reason - maybe thinking i was not insured, or worried his boss would get annoyed with him when he fessed up  :shocked:

My insurance co. have sent him a letter saying its his fault and he needs to report it!
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Saint Steve on 08 February 2010, 08:07
Thats right where i live Zard!!,  you cant be far from me then!!.

Sorry to hear about this. Im guessing your gonna take her to Peter Cooper at Hedge end?

Ive had bodywork done by them in one of my old Mk5's before.The car will get sent down to Bognor Regis to their Paint shop. They

did a quality job last time for me.
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: flyingzard on 08 February 2010, 10:31
I live in Sholing and work in Hedge End.

Nah its gone to the approved body shop through the insurance company.

Not sure if that was the right thing to do......

I have had a few bad experiences with Peter Coopers recently although none of that was panel beating lol!!!

Totally taken by the courtest Mondeo i have got. It a pretty decent spec Titanium with all mod cons. I can see why Clarkson raves on about them. It is a bit of a family car though and i aint got the kids to go with it  :grin:
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: Saint Steve on 08 February 2010, 10:35
Thornhill me  :wink:

Which part of Peter Coopers dont you like, let me guess Service Deptment?. Ive had a disagreement with them over damage to my old Pescara alloys getting scuffed whilst the car was in their possesion.

Although they "finally" replaced the alloy FOC.

I know make them walk round the car before i hand the keys over.

Mines due for service in a fortnight, abit worried whether to chance my arm or go to an independant this time  :undecided:
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: flyingzard on 08 February 2010, 12:53
Yup service department are not great. I have had some dodgy work done on it during a warenty repair.

I have heard good things about the Formula 1 in Hedge end (pretty much next door to KFC) I  have also used Tyre Shops when my 182 Clio left its 3 year warenty

After phoning around trying to find out who controls the CCTV camera on the traffic light, Godstone (highways Agency) finally found out who controls the camera and yes it is a CCTV camera. Great i thought until they said that the camera has not been working for the last 2 weeks!!!! GUTTED

coincided with the traffic light repair/upgrade work that finished around 2 weeks ago on the roundabout. Just my luck  :sad:
Title: Re: Been white van manned
Post by: ifti on 08 February 2010, 12:56
Sorry to hear your story - hope it all gets sorted.
I hate it when peoiple do not stop. I had a claim about 7 years or so ago in my old car, and not 1 person stopped for me.

I always try to stop for others though. Once I was on the M11 northbound, and had a brand spanking new MK5 R32 in front of me. A massive truck was to our left, and was indicating to pull into our lane. I slowed down to let the truck go and the woman in the R32 was too far ahead to see the indicator at the time.
The truck moved into our lane in front of me, and the front driver side of the truck hit the rear quarter of the R32. Had it of not been a well handling car, Im sure she would have been off the road, or even sideways and rolled on the road!

They both pulled over and I also decided to stop. The car alloy was completely damaged and the bodywork needed some extensive work. Nevertheless the woman was shaken up but I calmed her and gave her my details, and said I would gladly be a witness for her.

I had the kids in my car so I left the woman and the truck driver to exchange details etc.

I didnt mind doing it, and hope someone will do the same for me if Im ever in need in the future.
Nevertheless, a simple 'thank-you' from the woman would have been nice!! Not once did she say it, and I never heard from her, or her insurers, at all after that.
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: flyingzard on 16 March 2010, 10:35
Have had the car back now for a few weeks. The repair was top notch.

However - i have noticed a noise coming from the front suspension when going over speed bumps or undulating road surfaces. It sounds a bit spongy - not a mechanical clunky noise at all.

Its going back today - hopefully they will fix that. I am thinking bushes may need replacing......?

Anyhow the tit that rammed me off the road STILL has not reported it to his insurance Co. Apparently if this is still the case after 3 months my insurance Co. will take legal action against his insurance Co. God only knows what will happen now  :angry:

I can only see me getting shafted over an accident which was 100% not my fault....
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Steve30 on 16 March 2010, 10:45
Have had the car back now for a few weeks. The repair was top notch.

However - i have noticed a noise coming from the front suspension when going over speed bumps or undulating road surfaces. It sounds a bit spongy - not a mechanical clunky noise at all.

Its going back today - hopefully they will fix that. I am thinking bushes may need replacing......?

Anyhow the tit that rammed me off the road STILL has not reported it to his insurance Co. Apparently if this is still the case after 3 months my insurance Co. will take legal action against his insurance Co. God only knows what will happen now  :angry:

I can only see me getting shafted over an accident which was 100% not my fault....

I bet the tosser was not insured???? :angry: Glad your car sorted though!!

most White van men do take the P*** on the roads, for ever cutting me up never give way!!  :angry:
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Saint Steve on 16 March 2010, 11:32
Have had the car back now for a few weeks. The repair was top notch.

However - i have noticed a noise coming from the front suspension when going over speed bumps or undulating road surfaces. It sounds a bit spongy - not a mechanical clunky noise at all.

Its going back today - hopefully they will fix that. I am thinking bushes may need replacing......?

Anyhow the tit that rammed me off the road STILL has not reported it to his insurance Co. Apparently if this is still the case after 3 months my insurance Co. will take legal action against his insurance Co. God only knows what will happen now  :angry:

I can only see me getting shafted over an accident which was 100% not my fault....

Good to see your now back on the road, ill keep an eye out for you  :wink:

I know that spongy noise your on about, mine does it along Hinkler road that you would of driven with the speed humps.
I had my top suspention mounts changed and it is still the same. It had new springs at the same time.
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: AlanD on 16 March 2010, 12:02
most White van men do take the P*** on the roads, for ever cutting me up never give way!!  :angry:

Yep, always try and stay as far away as possible from them and also London taxis. There always more than one about and if there is an accident his "mate" will appear from no were and say it was your fault.
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Steve30 on 16 March 2010, 13:10
most White van men do take the P*** on the roads, for ever cutting me up never give way!!  :angry:

Yep, always try and stay as far away as possible from them and also London taxis. There always more than one about and if there is an accident his "mate" will appear from no were and say it was your fault.

Shower of C**** they are, most of them anyway? I have had a lot of problems with them in London, they just dont give 2 flying F**** about your motor!! :angry:. They expect you to reverse down all st with cars parked on both sides of the rd for them to get through, and to top it off they are half cut from the night before!!
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: flyingzard on 16 March 2010, 13:15
fortunately the guy is insured but its through a broker......

Hinkler Road is a biach. I avoid it and go along the pot holed Byron Road. Found the noise when going over the bumps along Thornhill Ave - i was only doing 15mph in 2nd!!

Just been on a road test with a mechanic and guess what - it behaved itself impeccably. He noticed it was lacking lube somewhere in the suspension so he lubed her up. Other than that it seems fine...
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Saint Steve on 16 March 2010, 13:40
fortunately the guy is insured but its through a broker......

Hinkler Road is a biach. I avoid it and go along the pot holed Byron Road. Found the noise when going over the bumps along Thornhill Ave - i was only doing 15mph in 2nd!!

Just been on a road test with a mechanic and guess what - it behaved itself impeccably. He noticed it was lacking lube somewhere in the suspension so he lubed her up. Other than that it seems fine...

Is your other half have Blonde hair Zard??

i was behind a black 56 Gti at hinkler road juntion to Thornhill park road last week.

Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: flyingzard on 16 March 2010, 14:16
Yes she does  :grin: :grin:

Couldn't have been me as i drive a 58 plate  :laugh:

I did see you on the road the other week actually - i was in one of many different courtesy cars though. The most basic of basic Polo's. Brand new and it didnt even have electric windows. I mean come on!
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Saint Steve on 16 March 2010, 16:24
Yes she does  :grin: :grin:

Couldn't have been me as i drive a 58 plate  :laugh:

I did see you on the road the other week actually - i was in one of many different courtesy cars though. The most basic of basic Polo's. Brand new and it didnt even have electric windows. I mean come on!

 :laugh: :laugh:

I will keep an eye out, surprised i havent seen you, there aernt many GTi mk5's in Sholing/Thornhill  :grin:
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: flyingzard on 09 June 2010, 13:36
Thought i'd share the latest in my mini (um Golf) adventure

4 months after the accident and after i countered his claims that the accident was my fault Mr White van man has miraculously found an independant witness that saw the whole thing and you've guessed it pointing the blame at me. I have heard the basics of her statement on the phone but it is complete tosh.

So now a fault whereby i was rammed of the road is now currently 100% my fault.

I suppose i take this up with the legal cover dept now seeing as i have free cover. Court awaits me thinks  :sad:
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Merlinman on 09 June 2010, 14:08
Hang in there....

I had a similar experience some years ago when an errant WVD side smote 'er indoors new Polo; his company denied any liability.

I used a company specialising in claims, rather than my own insurers who to say the least were 'lily livered'. We ended up in court, he failed to show, despite telling me repeatedly he was going to win and giving me the aggressive finger on a daily basis. The judge wasted no time in finding for us and he ended up with a CC judgement against him for the full cost of repairs and all our costs, including my 'uninsured losses'.

I hope he wasn't needing credit or a mortgage for a while?

To$$er!
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: stealthwolf on 09 June 2010, 14:11
Why wasn't he able to produce this witness at the start??!?!
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: flyingzard on 09 June 2010, 14:31
4 months after the accident - its a joke. What is more of a joke is her statement.

I just don't want to be more out of pocket than the excess i have already paid out and currently lost.

If i lose the court case then i will have to pay? - i don't have a witness because.. well i am honest unlike him and without a witness i am stuffed...?
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: the dude on 09 June 2010, 15:06
Mate, If it does get to court, then I do not tink they are so naive to see that the witness did not come forwards a the beginning, htey will see this for what it is.
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: A7 UFO on 09 June 2010, 15:27
if I saw anything more than a tiny front-rear bump at a roundabout I'd always stop and leave my details.
Title: Re: Been white van manned (final update)
Post by: flyingzard on 24 May 2011, 18:52
Well for those that remember 14-15 months back....

I finally got a resolution a month back. Legal cover realised that the witness statement had holes all through it after I kept spelling it out to them.

The threat of court action followed and the driver and witness were still quiet.... 3rd party insurance company basically could not get them to comment on liability and therefore they settled plus a little compensation.

Ended up with a 100% in my favour. Took a long time and heart ache along the way but i got there in the end  :wink:

Just pleased it is all over!
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Saint Steve on 24 May 2011, 19:11
well done for persisting matie :smiley:
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: AlanD on 24 May 2011, 19:13
Glad it all got sorted but its sicking to hear its taken this long.
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: _Adam_ on 24 May 2011, 22:05
14 months????

i'd be stuffed..... feel sorry for you mate
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Wayne on 25 May 2011, 00:17
Great result in the end  :smiley:
Title: Re: Been white van manned (update)
Post by: Vman on 01 June 2011, 21:47
Mate, If it does get to court, then I do not tink they are so naive to see that the witness did not come forwards a the beginning, htey will see this for what it is.

You would think that the courts can use common sense, but I tell you they don't. My partner ended up in court accused of causing £4000 worth of damage/whiplash to a car which she had never hit. The women who accused her just happen to see her car parked soemewhere and took the number plate we think. The worst part is we even had proof that the car was not in mainland England and was in fact in the Isle of Man at her dads funeral. The women which  accused her then said she must have got the dates wrong and the judge accepted this, also they made up witness, which was total bull as the accident never happend.