Hit by Clarkes of London Coach this morning

[becibec]

... but as the coach continued along the bus lane on lordship lane and I was stuck in stationary traffic, it looks like I took the number plate down wrong. They've ripped off my wing mirror but no one hurt.

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do - if the number plate was wrong, but I reckon it's pretty close then I guess I'll just have to pay for this myself as my insurance excess is high enough that it won't be woth claiming. I'm just a bit shaken and can't belive that it's fine for a huge coach to plough through a tiny car with no conseqences :(

[KidKruger]

I'd call them and describe what happened, make out you don't have the number plate and see what they come up with / which of their coaches was making that route.

I'd note who i speak with and what their insurance company is, and tell them that it's illegal to not stop and share details upon an accident, which is why you're having to having to follow-up by phone.

[cle]

If in the bus lane, it's likely there are cameras.

As it is illegal not to stop after an accident, you could report to the police and then they might be able to access the CCTV?

Certainly take that approach with your call to them, and see if they cooperate. If not, call the police.

[MarkE]

If involved in an accident you're required to notify your insurer (irrespective of whether you wish to make a claim).

The upside is that, if you wish, they should take this up on your behalf as an untraced claim.

[Jeremy]

MarkE Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> If involved in an accident you're required to

> notify your insurer (irrespective of whether you

> wish to make a claim).

Increased premiums for the next n years, or just get it fixed... I know what I'd do.

[kford]

What car is it?

[adonirum]

All the foregoing is very good advice, coupled with the fact that PSV's, like LGV's, are fitted with tachographs. Many many years ago I had an experience similar to this whereby a coach didn't stop and, to cut the anecdote short, having been traced by the Police, the readings showed that the coach was speeding, which immediately made them "guilty" without argument or mitigation. I appreciate this was L.L. and probably speed does not come into play, but the tacho print-out might highlight other short-comings on the coach driver's part. The excuse used to be "I'm driving a large vehicle I didn't realise/ hear it" however, this tends not to be the case nowadays as the Police then go for "driving without due care" (used to be care and attention). Good luck with whatever course of action you take.

[Michael Palaeologus]

Clarkes of London are very proud of their reputation, I would call them and ask how you make a claim. They will just put it in the hands of their insurance company.

[becibec]

Hi everyone - thank you so much for your responses. I called Clarkes this morning when the incuident happened and the guy I spoke to tried to imply I was mistaken about it being a Clarkes coach and told me to speak to the police, which I did but I actually have to go in person within 24 hours... anyway. Having read your posts I called back and spoke to a much more helpful lady who said their insurance person doesn't work today but I can call them about it tomorrow, so feeling more hopeful. I'll let you know the outcome!

[Mason]

You should still report it to the police and get a crime referenc number to back you up on your claim, and give more strength against Clarks.

[Loz]

Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires drivers/ riders to report to a police officer or police station that they have been involved in an accident involving in any of the following;

- any personal injury

- damage only, where the other driver/ rider did not stop

- damage only, where names and addresses were not exchanged with the other driver/ rider/ cyclist and any other owner of property damaged (even if the other driver stopped)

So you have to, by law, report the accident to the police.

[ianr]

I know that quotation is from a police web site, but the actual Act is a more reliable source. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/170

[woodrot]

given the speed that clarkies howk themselves down grove vale, its hardly surprising they have the odd scrape

[unlurked]

Are Clarkes those small mini coaches?

[woodrot]

big lumpen farrow and ball green ones