To not just let this go?

[vj32]

I went to the police earlier to report a traffic accident. Old man drove into me and ds when we were sat, parked in our car in a carpark. There is only a deep scratch in the back of the car, but it physically shook the car. He didn't notice anything had happened and drove off. He was going forwards, on a bright clear day. (wasn't even reversing which may have been a bit more understandable.)

I think to have driven into me and then not notice he probably isn't safe on the roads, so I want the police to investigate and speak to him (I have the reg number and a witness so it would be quick and easy for them). Felt a bit of an idiot at the police station talking about an 'accident' when it was only a scratch but I think I have done the right thing.

Yes I think you have.

Right thing to do - the reason he didn't stop may well be that the car's not insured, or not even his, so sure the police will want to check it out. Besides, why should you pay for the damage or lose your no claims bonus when it should be claimed on his?

i had an accident early last year, where i ws shunted into someone else (4 cars involved)

The guy I hit was uninsured.

when the police came to see me, i asked them what they would do about the driver i hit, and they said 'nothing, he hasnt done anyhting wrong' and i said 'well, appart from having no insurance' they didnt seem bothered about it at all.

It needs checking out.

He might not be medically fit to drive, he could have easily hit a child, or still could.

He may or may not be aware of this.

MateyMoo The Police might have seemed unconcerned about the driver in front of you but you never know what goes on behind the scenes - and they don't give out information, do they?

you definetly did the right thing
a others have said

perhaps his eyes need testing or he has another medical problem or he isnt insured
well done u

Mateymoo I'm becoming increasingly concerned at how the Police are being directed to operate.

I agree with Birds

I think you did the right thing too.

Agree with Birds too.

Matey I think they probably meant "nothing" in relation to that specific incident. They would have been wrong to tell you if they were going to take any action regarding the insurance. I imagine they would have done. They take driving without insurance very seriously.

You have definitely done the right thing OP. If he truly didn't notice then he might have a terrible accident soon. My friends elderly dad was like this, absolutely nuts, bumps and scratches all over his car and no doubt on other's cars. My friend had to take away his car keys in the end which was the responsible thing to do.

You have definately done the right thing. Even a scratch can cost a lot to repair, I would be livid if someone drove into my car and then drove off without stopping! And if he didn't even notice, then that is a more serious accident just waiting to happen.

You have absolutely done the right thing - speaking as someone who almost got hit crossing a zebra crossing by an old man that "had forgot his glasses"

sorry, i didnt mean to hijack the thread x

My parked car was hit in a car park recently, the driver drove off but luckily DH was dog sitting in the car at the time. He got the other driver's reg and we reported it. The police took it seriously as it was proved that the driver was unfit to be behind the wheel of a car.

Just under 2 years ago DH and I were at the supermarket on a Sunday afternoon. He had a brand new company car, less than a week old. We went in supermarket and did our shopping. When we came back there was a note on the car; and scratches all along the side. The note said they had witnessed the driver of the car next to us hit the car. Sure enough, when DH looked at the bumper of the car it had fresh paint. So we decided to wait.

The person that left the note came out and explained what he had seen saying the guy driving had been acting strangely. As if he was drunk.

So we waited. And waited.

And eventually the driver came back. DH challenged him. He denied everything. He then got in the car and tried to drive off. DH had smelt alcohol on his breath. So he tried to stop the car reversing. The guy drove towards him, narrowing missing. DH went to front of the car. The guy drove into him. DH ended up on the bonnet clinging on for dear life. Seeing this, a guy in his 60s or 70s tried to help and also ended up on the bonnet! I tried to get the old guy off the car. But DH ended up being carried 20 ft down the road before the driver stopped after another passer by opened car door and pulled hand break and removed the keys. (ironically 10ft from the local police station!).

The point of the story is a) if someone is driving like that and trying to drive off there is problem a very good reason they are trying to avoid being caught b) you don't hit a car with that much force and not notice unless you have some sort of problem c) If the guy does not report the incident within 7 days he is committing a criminal offence of leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it and you are perfectly within your rights to report to the police. It is far from petty or silly. Scratches cost a fortune to repair. Even minor ones.

Turned out this guy was a respectable lecturer at a university. He told the police he hadn't drunk much "only a bottle and a half" of wine. He tested for over 2 and a half times over the legal limit and the police thought he would test higher at the station given the state of him.

The two bottles of vodka he'd just bought and had in his jacket pocket can't have helped his case.

Pursue it.

Btw, DH and the old man were fine. Just shocked.

Ime people who drive away have something to hide.

DH had his parked car with him not in it reversed into by a driver. I have posted about it before. It was at his place of work. Despite him and the door man running and waving alongside the other vehicle it drove away.

The driver has since been in to bis place of work and spoken to dh and admitted he was drinking that evening.

He has after protracted discussion and a visit from the police admitted liability. He will not ble charged with drink driving as there were no police available to visit him that night although there may be other charges. However DH told the police what the driver had told him and that goes into intelligence and they keep an eye on these drivers in future.

I also came across an older driver a couple of weeks ago coming the wrong way down a very busy and well signed one way road towards and extremely busy roundabout at night. I stopped and eventually managed to signal to him to turn off despite his furious and angry gesticulations to me to get out of his way ( I think the huge queue of drivers lining up behind me gave my case more strength in his eyes). I was too shocked to gt numbers, I had my children in the car, but there are a hell of a lot of people out there who for one reason or another should not have a license.

So - YANBU. Well done.

Totally the right thing to do, well done for taking the time to bother, most wouldn't.

I was sat waiting in the supermarket car park when the (brand new) car next to me was hit by an elderly lady driver, massive dent from her turning into it at a very slow speed and then driving off. Can't believe she didn't realise she'd hit it! I managed to get her reg and gave it and my details to the owners when they came back to their car. They had only just bought it that week! I never heard back from their insurance tho.