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Legal matters

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Original poster

I hit a pedestrian in my car - I really need advice please

82 replies

devonhil · 10/02/2018 19:35

Yesterday I reversed into a pedestrian in a petrol forecourt. I am totally aware that it is my fault - that I didn't look carefully enough and I am to blame so please don't judge me further for that as I'm not looking for a discussion on driving skills.
I had been stationary and the man was very close to the back of my car so it was at low speed.
The man was angry and shouted at me. I got out of my car to explain and apologise but he just took a photo of my number plate and walked off - he wouldn't talk to me.
I'm really shaken up (I have been driving for 35 years and have only ever had one accident - I hit a stationary object) and scared about what will happen. Will I lose my licence or have to go to court? I need a car for work and as the breadwinner in my family I dread that happening.
I would be really grateful for any advice or information from anyone who has had a similar experience. I can't sleep with the stress. Thank you so much!

OP posts:

CheesecakeAddict · 10/02/2018 20:08

If it puts your mind at ease, OP, I had my shoulder blade shattered in a hit and run. I had the licence plate but the police didn't take any action because there was no evidence.

I would however get to the police before he does and report the accident. He might claim even if he wasn't hurt and if you give your story first it will look less suspicious. Also, the police will probably request the CCTV of the petrol station - this is sometimes deleted after 24 hours - so you'll also have that as evidence that he walked away unharmed.

MagicNumbers1234 · 10/02/2018 20:10

I would make a detailed report with the police and insurance company and I would contact the shop/company of the forecourt to report the incident and request a copy of the cctv footage before it is deleted so you have evidence if this person ever tries to make a claim. The fact that he behaved aggressively, left the scene of the accident walking away should be favourable to you as he appeared not to be injured immediately after the accident.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 10/02/2018 20:10

Petrol forecourt to which the public have accesss isn’t private property.

This.

OP; you've done almost everything you can do. Tell your insurance company; either them or the police should ask the garage to keep the cctv incase it's needed.

That's all you can do for now.

RB68 · 10/02/2018 20:11

It is always worth reporting and gathering evidence at a scene of an accident as people re prone to exaggeration. Like oh there were three people in the car not one etc and how do you prove it after the event. I have had a couple of incidents where I was glad I recorded all the relevant information and took photos - much easier these days with phones but I used to have a camera in my glove compartment and a notepad etc

MERLYPUSSEDOFF · 10/02/2018 20:13

There may be CCTV on the garage forecourt to back up your claims that he walked away. Just in case I would let the police and insurance know this too.

Original poster

devonhil · 10/02/2018 20:14

I was wondering if private property made a difference too? I had my car hit in a B&Q carpark once and was told there was nothing the police or anyone could do as it was private land.

OP posts:

TerracottaAmy · 10/02/2018 20:15

My dd was a learner, driving with my husband supervising. She was pulling away from a traffic light when a man ran across the road and hit her car, bouncing off her bonnet, smashed the windscreen.

My DH got out and helped him to the side of the road for safety so he could call an ambulance. People behind got out too, to help (dd was in car, hysterically crying). Anyway man then got up and ran off before they could call the ambulance.

DH took witness details and police came round and interviewed daughter as did insurance company. All details had to lie on file for 3 years in case man comes forward. Insurance put it down as no fault as witness confirmed there was nothing she could do.

You need to report it OP

Original poster

devonhil · 10/02/2018 20:18

if there is no evidence (i.e. cctv has been deleted) then I'm confused that he could claim at all. Surely, anyone could say any motorist had hit them (and take a photo of a random number plate) if they wanted?

OP posts:

GabsAlot · 10/02/2018 20:20

devon who told u that doesnt matter wher eit is u damage car or person u have to report it

op youve done all u can for now unless hes going to put in a big claim for personal injury all u can do is wait

Original poster

devonhil · 10/02/2018 20:21

TerracottaAmy - that's awful, your poor dd! At least I've been driving for a long time. I would be extremely traumatised if that had happened as a learner. I hope she feels more confident now

OP posts:

Blahdeblah123 · 10/02/2018 20:22

TBH the first thing that crossed my mind when I read your post was that this was one of those deliberate insurance fraud situations. No idea why. Maybe I'm just super suspicious, but the whole walking off and not talking to you just sits oddly.

Speak to your insurers and ask them to look into it. Most of all try not worry .

floriad · 10/02/2018 20:28

This doesn't sound like a hit and run.

You went to say sorry / check if he was ok, he "took" her details (photographed her number plate), shouted at her but refused to talk to her / let her give him her details and walked away.

It sounds to me like the OP did all s/he could.

Queenofwands · 10/02/2018 20:33

Please get the cctv from the garage. This will show the level of impact and injury and your insurer will appreciate. He will seek compensation but don't worry. The cctv will show you got out of car to give him details.

Bluetrews25 · 10/02/2018 20:35

Did the pedestrian fall to the floor, or did your car just touch him?
I hope he takes no further action, as it sounds like he was ok.
I get the driver is always legally in the wrong, but seriously think he was a bit daft to walk so close to a reversing car (reversing lights are a big clue!) without checking you had seen him (bit like walking behind a car reversing out onto a road from a driveway - there are times when it's foolish to insist on your right of way and assume that they HAVE seen you when they might not have, as the driver is needing to look in all directions at once)

ShellyBoobs · 10/02/2018 20:37

Don’t worry, OP.

It will be ok. You won’t be going to court or losing your licence.

The pp above who said he/she works in insurance claims and estimates it could be a claim if up to £10k has surprised me, though. I would be surprised if it was even a fraction of that given the OP’s description of the incident.

But them I’m not coming from a position of professional knowledge!

Original poster

devonhil · 10/02/2018 20:39

he didn't fall over at all. When I got out of the car he was walking towards me (to shout at me!). He was completely mobile at all times. He was actually walking a dog (but it was on the far side of him, away from the car, and looked completely unfazed by the whole thing).

OP posts:

Gwenhwyfar · 10/02/2018 20:41

"if there is no evidence (i.e. cctv has been deleted) then I'm confused that he could claim at all. "

So you're saying you'd deny it?

Gwenhwyfar · 10/02/2018 20:41

" the whole walking off and not talking to you just sits oddly."

If someone drove their car into me I wouldn't want to talk to them either.

RandomMess · 10/02/2018 20:45

Well you did stop and you talk to the person so it's not strictly a"hit & run"

Original poster

devonhil · 10/02/2018 20:46

no - Gwenhwyfar I didn't mean that at all! I just meant that, theoretically in another situation if there's no evidence then how does anyone know if an accident has happened? - it would just be the driver's word against the pedestrians.
I take total responsibility for this accident and have reported it to police so I can hardly deny it took place. More the issue is one of how serious it is and how major the injury if he chooses to sue me and there's no evidence.

OP posts:

petbear · 10/02/2018 20:46

Sounds dodgy to me.

Could this be a crash for cash type thing OP?

Sounds like you didn't do anything deliberately, and he sounds like a miserable curmudgeon.

I would contact the police and say you think he deliberately stepped in front of you. Get your side in first. If he walked off then he wasn't hurt was he?!!!!

Try not to worry @devonhil . Hope you're OK.

RaspberryCheese · 10/02/2018 20:48

Did he sustain any injury that was apparent? Did he complain of an injury? Were details exchanged?

If not, you might just get away with it.

But,the law says that if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, where injury has been sustained, you must inform the police.

MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 10/02/2018 20:55

Sounds dodgy to me too. Can’t imagine what he could actually claim for if he was able to shout and walk away. He probably took a photo to put it on some random Facebook page. As you’ve already reported it I wouldn’t worry too much more, you’ve done all you can and if he chooses to persue it there’s nothing else you can do.

I know you say you didn’t look properly but clearly neither did he! Who walks behind a reversing car? Stupid prat probably shouted out of embarrassment.

AnnieAnoniMouse · 10/02/2018 20:58

I hope you can get it sorted out without too much hassle. It’s a shame you didn’t get a video of him walking away, but with a bit of luck the CCTV, will show he was fine & you tried to talk to him.

Gwenhwyfar · 10/02/2018 21:03

"Can’t imagine what he could actually claim for if he was able to shout and walk away. "

How do you know he's not injured. It's possible to be injured and still able to walk and talk!

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