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Original poster

Son knocked off bike, car dented, do I pay?

398 replies

Oliphantitus · 18/10/2019 18:49

Hello, my son was knocked off his bike and left a large dent in the car which knocked him off. I didn't see the accident but he thinks he came out our gate fast, and I think the driver was going too fast as she couldn't stop. ( Son is ok, spent lots of time in hospital but no real injury, phew).

She is sending me the bill through her insurance, but I don't know which insurance I have which will cover it. It happened on a road so don't think it will be home insurance. It didn't involve my car so can't be vehicle insurance? I have no money at the moment so a bit worried. Any advice appreciated...

OP posts:
Bigearringsbigsmile · 18/10/2019 18:50

Fuck that! She knocked him off his bike!!!

Helspopje · 18/10/2019 18:51

Did you involve the police?
I would’ve
A child on a bike isn’t unexpected on a residential street

MynameisJune · 18/10/2019 18:52

Highway Code, you must be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. She couldn’t stop in time and wasn’t anticipating pedestrians or cyclists. No way would I pay for the damage she’s a CF.

username578999 · 18/10/2019 18:52

No she knocked him off the bike . This has got to be the most CF I've heard . Tell her to claim on her insurance do not pay anything she's lucky he's not injured .

TeachesOPeaches · 18/10/2019 18:53

Not a fuck do you pay!

That’s genuinely outrageous.

FreshwaterBay · 18/10/2019 18:53

Was your son to blame? Was he taking reasonable care? If it was his fault the owner of the car (not always the driver) should be compensated. Beware agreeing to pay for the dent then the driver claims whiplash seven days later.

If your son was taking reasonable care, for his, age she will be liable for her own losses.

Anyway, she will not send the bill through her insurance. Her insurer will decide and contact you directly. It is a subtle point but bear in mind she may be bluffing.

username578999 · 18/10/2019 18:53

Just re read it sorry he was in hospital. She was going too fast and she's sending you the bill . Shock

Original poster
Oliphantitus · 18/10/2019 18:54

Yes, the police came with the ambulance and said there was no need for them to be there. I was a bit wet to be honest as I was so stressed I could hardly breath, so I wasn't thinking about who was to blame etc. I would like to fix her car but I can't afford it if not covered by some sort of insurance!

OP posts:
BooksAreMyOnlyFriends · 18/10/2019 18:55

Was he looking when he rode out of the drive?

legalseagull · 18/10/2019 18:55

How old is your son? Under 18?

GreenTulips · 18/10/2019 18:55

Legally you don’t have too

It’s a civil matter and she’ll be told the same

She hit him - her fault

RedWineAllMine · 18/10/2019 18:56

Erm, how about you press charges for her knocking your son off his bike! How dare she foot you the bill! Involve the Police straight away!

VimFuego101 · 18/10/2019 18:56

How fast was the driver going? Surely she should have been going slowly enough to stop when she saw your son in what is presumably a residential area?

Baguetteaboutit · 18/10/2019 18:57

No. That's not how car insurance works, is it? Tell her to get stuffed.

PuppyMonkey · 18/10/2019 18:57

Tell her you’re consulting your solicitor with a view to suing her for your son’s injuries.

RedWineAllMine · 18/10/2019 18:57

Just re read they came. See if you can speak to them about her giving you a bill. Never heard anything like it! 😱

Original poster
Oliphantitus · 18/10/2019 18:57

He's only twelve. He blamed himself, he was quite shocked and kept apologising, I think he did come out the gate fast but it is quite a bad spot.

OP posts:
Billballbaggins · 18/10/2019 18:57

Fuck that, I’d be suing her

KnifeAngel · 18/10/2019 18:57

If he hit the side of the car then it sounds like it was his fault. Make sure he is more careful in future. It is terrifying having a child run into your car. It happened to me.

PastTippingPoint · 18/10/2019 18:58

She should pay! Can't believe she's sent you a bill!! It should have been reported to the police at the time since your son went to hospital. I don't know if you can still report it? Could you contact your home insurance legal cover for advice?

Billballbaggins · 18/10/2019 18:58

And do not speak to her again before getting legal advice

Billballbaggins · 18/10/2019 18:59

If he hit the side of the car then it sounds like it was his fault. Make sure he is more careful in future. It is terrifying having a child run into your car. It happened to me.

The driver is always at fault. Always.

MaybeitsMaybelline · 18/10/2019 18:59

If he came out if the gate too fast she wouldn’t have needed to be going too fast to know him off. 65 feet is the stopping distance at 30mph

It want necessarily her fault, I once watched a boy if about 15 run out of his car straight into the oath of a car and over the bonnet. No way could the driver have stopped in time. I actually gave a witness statement for the drivers insurance because it absolutely was the fault of the boy that ran out.

PastTippingPoint · 18/10/2019 19:00

Sorry cross posted!

MaybeitsMaybelline · 18/10/2019 19:00

75 feet not 65 doh