Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Legal matters

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

Original poster

Someone left their handbrake off!!

56 replies

Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 11:05

Hi, sorry I'm new to this and need some advice.
Friday I picked up my little girl from nursery (which is situated on a hill) put my little girl in the car and as I'm walking around to get in my drivers side I see a car coming at me at a speed and my first instinct was to "try" hold it off by putting my hands out !! Don't ask why but I didn't have time to do anything and my daughter was in the car and I thought I could try ease the impact. I just get away from being squashed, however I have got bad knees and my lo aas in the car and it was shunted forward. Luckily my handbrake stayed firmly on other wise it could of been pitentiall fatal. The owner came out the nursery and was under the impression her car was being stolen and admitted her handbrake must of not been on.

Where do I go with this?
I cant see any visable damage but it's my new car and I'm worried about the mechanics underneath and my daughter obviously felt the impact shes 3 and was crying as she didn't know what as going on, and obviously I had momma bear instincts and tried to stop this from happening but this weekend the pain in my knees is excruciating.

Please help i dont know what to do.

OP posts:
DoYouRememberTheInnMiranda · 19/05/2019 13:02

Don't feel bad - she will have insurance too and this is their job to sort. It won't affect her that much, she too wi be relieved that it's only metal damaged, hopefully nothing long term for any people.

You've done the right thing, be gentle with yourself.

Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 13:06

Coop eco, they will get someone to call me tomorrow it has been logged . Thank you for your help!! Like I said in 6 years driving two accidents which are not my fault have happened now in 4 months. I cant believe this! The other driver of the accident that happened in a car park is claiming dispute even tho hes dash cam has been sent in and hes hit me stationary . I just dont want to be putting claims in but it feels like over 4 months now this will be the 2nd incident. X

OP posts:
pepperpot99 · 19/05/2019 13:08

OP are you actually insured? you seem mighty reluctant.

Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 13:10

Of course I am, I just dont need stress.

OP posts:
BrokenWing · 19/05/2019 13:12

You don't need to feel bad. She has insurance too, that is what it is for, and both cars should be checked out. If the car hit with speed/force you should also replace the carseat.

If the pain in your knees is "excruciating" (which I would take to mean unbearable, can you walk?) have you seen a Dr? Is this normal for your knees if you over do it?

Sarah22xx · 19/05/2019 13:13

I understnad the stress of it! My car got written off by an uninsured driver hitting me last year with my little boy who was 8 months old at the time. It's scary and stressful bit your insurers will help you deal with it. X

Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 13:18

I've had problems with my knees for a few years and any sudden movements makes an impact, I'm under the hospital for this. Perhaps my trying to think I can stop and hold back a 15toon car was the worst thing I could do ,however I was in shock and coudnt het into the car in time to release my lo from the car chair. I know for sure this was the worst thin to do, but it was spare of the moment

OP posts:
AlwaysCheddar · 19/05/2019 14:15

The internal safety stuff in the car could be damaged . You can’t tell just from looking at it normally.

AlwaysCheddar · 19/05/2019 14:49

The internal safety stuff in the car could be damaged . You can’t tell just from looking at it normally.

ILoveMaxiBondi · 19/05/2019 14:55

OP go to the hospital and get your knees checked out. You may have some long term damage that results in surgery and time off work and you will need proof of a medical visits for your insurance claim.

nwybhs · 19/05/2019 15:40

Wait sorry, did I read this incorrectly, OP did the car hit you?

Greenfield19 · 19/05/2019 15:43

Who doesn’t leave their car in gear?

Someone local was killed when a handbrake was left off.

Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 15:44

Yeah hit me as I was walking around my car to get into the drivers side and I out my hands out , it carried on and I had no chance so threw me out the way straight into back of my parked car

OP posts:
Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 19/05/2019 15:48

OP if you are planning to make a claim for personal injury, you need to have any injury documented immediately, and witnesses details etc ready to provide.

purplecorkheart · 19/05/2019 15:49

When you contact your insurers tell them you would like your car assessed for damage to ensure it is road worthy and safe to drive. If I were you I would change your daughters car seat (probably being over caution but I read you should if you are involved in any type of impact), keep the receipt. Do get yourself checked out in case it is more than muscle pain.

Ces6 · 19/05/2019 15:56

You need to get both yourself and the car checked out. My (stationary) car was hit and it looked ok but actually had damaged the steering and cost 1000 euros to fix (which my insurance wouldn't pay but that's another story...)

nwybhs · 19/05/2019 16:26

It hit your hands or your knees?

OP this is more serious than a smoky handbrake being left off, you have been injured and you need to go to get checked because this could result in you needing to claim a substantial amount from the other person.

nwybhs · 19/05/2019 16:27

Random word 'smoky' no idea where that came from Blush

Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 16:41

Lol, it hit both I stupidly reacted and put my hands out and it didn't make any difference and the bumper hit my shins and knees as I got out the way, the parent in the nursery who seen from the 1st floor window thought my legs had been broken. This is why I was so unsure what to do as the lady was so shocked herself. I feel awful and dont know how to go about it tomorrow. There is also visable damage which is my bumper dropped an inch and ucan see the scratches which I would happily leave but OH seems to think of the show was on the other foot ....

OP posts:
Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 16:42

Shoe**

OP posts:
TrixieFranklin · 19/05/2019 17:09

Did you get her full info or just the reg? If not her info when will you see her again to get it?

Original poster
Vinnieeva11 · 19/05/2019 17:12

I got a pic of her car and reg, I need to speak with the nursery manager tmro and ask for her to het her to call me and it is on CCTV I hope too

OP posts:
nwybhs · 19/05/2019 17:15

I don't think you fully understand what insurance is for OP. It is to cover situations like this. You don't worry about what to do you just notify them. In light of the fact you have been injured though, you absolutely must get checked over.

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 19/05/2019 17:30

I had an accident three months ago (not car), still have some pain. If your injuries don't recover quickly then you could miss work just because you don't want to upset someone who forgot to put a handbrake on. Go and get yourself checked out.

Her0utdoors · 19/05/2019 17:39

As above, get onto your insurance and get medical advice. Also ring your car seat manufacturer as the seat will likely need replacing after an impact. Hope it gets sorted op, how scary.

Swipe left for the next trending thread