DC hit by a van today, will the police do anything?

[GloomyWednesday]

This morning my beautiful 18 year old DC was ploughed into whilst halfway across a zebra crossing.

They're in hospital after suffering a skull fracture and very lucky there's no other major injury.

The incident was witnessed and caught on various dash cams. Witnesses say he was going fast and didn't slow down although stopped afterwards. The driver of the van had massive damage to his vehicle but, as far as I know, hasn't been arrested.

We haven't heard anything from the police since taking details early this morning so AIBU to ask what happens next?

A friend of mine knocked a child down. It was 100% the child's fault, he ran out in front of her car and there were several witnesses to prove this. Despite it not being her fault, they arrested her, confiscated her car and phone and took her in for questioning. She didn't get her car or phone back for weeks whilst they conducted investigations despite them assuring her that every single witness confirmed she was not at fault. They finally told her that there was no charges and that she'd get everything back and that was that. So I would say, yes, they'll do something. If they did all that for someone they know is innocent, surely they'll do it for someone who isn't?

If the driver stopped and was speaking to police, I see no point arresting him. Not being arrested does not mean he won't be charged. The only point in arresting someone is to ensure they do not abscond and this man has not tried this. Hopefully he will be charged with dangerous driving.

I would call 101 and ask what the process is. I would expect the police at this stage to be gathering evidence and it's possible that the driver will be charged at some point in the future if the police can make a case for careless or dangerous driving. Ask the police if there's a case number they can give you (there should be)

A few years ago my stepdad was knocked down and killed crossing the road at a light crossing. There was months of investigation for the driver and he wasn’t at fault- which was the right decision. They think the light was green for the driver but the police told us that if the driver should have been able to stop then he would be charged even though lights in his favour.
a couple of weeks later a friend of a friend was on a bike and hit by a car on a country lane. He wasn’t prosecuted but got a ridiculous suspended sentence due to his job.

If the police were there and the driver has been spoken to then the matter is in hand. People need to realise that the police don't work like they do on TV. The driver likely won't have been arrested but will attend an interview under caution at some point. What happens after that is anyone's guess.

Hope your DD recovers.

Awww, that's awful, I'm so sorry @GloomyWednesday

IME, the police don't act fast in these kind of situations, but they won't just leave things. You may need to chase them/find out where they're at. They won't just drop it though. Even if the van driver did stop, there will need to be an investigation into what happened. Do you have a local cop shop? Maybe you could pop in and ask where they're at with the investigation.

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Yeah that's the thing. It won't just be dropped, but the cogs in the system do move slowly sometimes with things like this.

Definitely claim for compensation, look for a no win no fee specialist, and they will sort it with the drivers insurance.

OP they will need to investigate but it sounds like there is plenty of evidence & witnesses that will help. Should get charged with dangerous driving at the least. Police will update you in due course.

Your poor DC though, hope they are on the mend soon.

My god I’m so sorry 😢. Well it’s failure to stop for a zebra crossing at the very least, so careless driving I assume. Then of course it’s whether anyone has footage of the driver driving erratically on their dash cam to prove dangerous driving.

Absolutely.

This is a little different as I am in Ireland, but I unfortunately knocked down a pedestrian a couple of years ago. It was low speed, and the pedestrian was only slightly injured, thankfully.

I was given points on my licence and a fine for driving without due care and attention.

Sadly these things take time which is quite ridiculous as they have enough witnesses and evidence. I wouldn't be surprised if nothing comes of it. Our justice system is pathetic.

I understand you want this driver brought to justice but try and focus on your son. Sending hugs.

The police deal with hundreds of incidents every day & are massively under resourced.
Yes they will definitely take it seriously & investigate but it won't be instant.
If you haven't already then request the incident number so you can chase it up.

They should update you every 28 days - with a serious incident like yours it's likely to be less than that.

You can also contact victim & witness care at any point (you don't have to wait for an investigation update) they will be the best people to signpost you & DS to the support you need. The contact info will be on your forces website or you can contact 101 & ask for a referal

If it progresses to court than that will likely take several months.

Im so sorry this happened and wish your child a speedy recovery.

But, try not to get to involved, especially if you have access to the witnesses, you dont want to be accused of influencing them.

I hope your son is going to be ok x

Thank you, we will.

I know they've been seen by various trauma therapy bods this morning (me and their dad are tag team staying with him).

I've filled in a contact form on the 101 page and I was on hold this morning for nearly half an hour to 101 before having to give up.

I've also spoke to a reputable solicitor who I know who's going to support DC.

Also been channelling my anger by contacting the local councillors to ask for help in implementing traffic calming measures around the crossing. It's situated next to a big high school and train station and there have been near misses over the years.

The driver, from what I've heard, was either overtaking/going at speed and definitely not paying attention as DC was halfway across when hit.

I think we'd just appreciate it if the police contacted us to do a general 'here's an incident number, we're dealing with it' and signpost us to some support for DC but it's been (police) radio silence.

Your poor son. What an awful shock.
I hope he makes a full recovery.

You can ring the charity Victim Support for practical and emotional support without being referred by police. My DD used to work for them and they are brilliant.
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

I'm sorry this has happened to you, what a horrible shock and I hope your DC is soon on the mend.

My brother was knocked down on a pedestrian crossing last year, he dislocated his shoulder and had two front teeth knocked out. It was reported to the police and there were plenty of witnesses. It took time but the driver went to court and was charged with dangerous driving.

I ended up getting through to the police on the 101 live chat.

It's a good job I did as it seems they recorded the injuries as nothing much! They also had some personal details incorrect but that's probably due to the fact that DC was in and out of consciousness and I was in bits on my knees in the middle of the road holding DC when they asked.

The officer seemed a bit shocked when I gave a list of injuries and the fact they were in hospital and apologised. It's now been escalated and we're to expect a police visit asap.

Thanks for all the support on this thread 💐

It seems that there is a real issue with Light Commercials, lots of badly maintained poorly driven vehicles that are not properly managed by the owners

DD was hit by a car whilst on a zebra crossing in the city centre a while back.

She is an adult and the blame was 90% hers. Luckily she wasn't much hurt but the driver was convicted of dangerous driving which under the circumstances seemed harsh.

In your case it would seem to be appropriate for the driver to be charged similarly.

Er, would you not just use the 2016 Act power?

It's absolutely not harsh. Drivers have absolute responsibility when they are behind the wheel. It is unbelievable that permanent removal of licence isn't an established penalty.