christmas eve hit and run

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RobC
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christmas eve hit and run

Post by RobC »

quick query. alas i was the victim of a minor hit and run while i was in the garden centre getting some last minute xmas presents. some doofus in a 4x4 backed into me and smashed the indicator, damaged the wing, cracked the priceless fibreglass front bumper, and broke the headlamp housing.

fortunately it is caught on cctv. you even see the driver get out, inspect the damage, and drive off! a witness got the reg number but it looks like it's not accurate (DS07 OLJ doesn't come up with anything). However DS07 ELJ is a Vauxhall Touareg and DS07 MLJ is a Suzuki Grand Vitara. The witness scarpered before I even knew about the incident so I have no details for them (the lady at the till informed me of the incident).

so, advice welcomed. I'll inform the police of course, but wary of saying to them that I'm not sure of the reg number in case they tell me to stop wasting their time. I have the CCTV footage though, with a clear picture of the driver too - that should be sufficient, right...?

Anyway I won't let it ruin Christmas! Annoying all the same. Do you think it'll be a 'write off'? I'm only insured tpft by the way. Season's Greetings all.

rob
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Jezziebx16v
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Post by Jezziebx16v »

Can you get the footage from the CCTV? surely that would narrow down what car it was? and make identifing the driver/vehicle much easier, may evan be able to see the reg plate!

As for it being a write off......yeah probably, but you will, if you find the owner of the 4x4 get the chance to buy it back and do the repairs yourself.

Bad time for it to happen Rob, hope you can trace the dozy cow and her Chelsea tractor.
Past 16v's: 89 Ph1 Black, 90 Ph2 Grey, 89 Ph2 Black, 91 Ph2 Grey, 91 Ph2 Black.

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djoptix
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Post by djoptix »

^^ what Jez said - get advice on the footage and ID the car. This sort of thing really does make me sick - people = sh*t sometimes.

Merry Christmas mate - don't let it get you down.
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Timmo
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Post by Timmo »

thats not good rob, sorry to hear that matey,
dont you love it how they got out and looked saw what they had done and then scarpered!
get the cctv and screw them for all there worth! possibly a write of, but dont forget to push the value on it being an official classic car now!
you should be able to tell from the cctv what the car is and prolly match it to the reg,

be prepared for a fightr though! they'll prolly deny it unitl the cctv footage is thrown in!
people like that should get the proverbial book thrown at them!
Timmo 8)

After all i am the Cornish one!

Its Because its French!
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SimonA
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Post by SimonA »

Having been there with a car in a car park issue, it gets complicated as the land is often deemed to be 'private property' and road rules do not apply etc etc, it may well end up being a civil matter from the police perspective. I got stung for the insurance companies arguing and agreeing between themselves 50/50 blame, despite the witnesses I had ! Their 50/50 cost me two years no claims !

The CCTV is a must and stick to your guns.
... and there are unknown unknowns
ollie
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Post by ollie »

Good luck on getting costs, if you have a reason you can apply to DVLA for address details.
Once thats confirmed, easiest way if no joy through insurance is to send some badly briefed large builders around, they don't have to be threatening, but confused and tough often does wonders.

Whatever happens thought don't release the car from your sight, not even for an assesment, as it stands you have a few minor bolt on bits to do so well worth getting done yourself. I have no end of lights, and a complete front end so if you need it done give me a PM and off you go.

Ollie
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RobC
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Post by RobC »

thanks for all the advice guys.

i filed a report at the police station and they explained they'll send a letter to all the potential culprits (all 2 of them) asking them if they were in the area at the time. i'm pretty sure it was the vauxhall. we'll take it from there... if no one bites then i'll go down the DVLA route.

Me and my dad managed to bash the wing back straight so I've been mending the paintwork. Fingers crossed my rubbing down skills will result in an acceptable repair. we also managed to araldite the headlight mounting back together. I think i've got a spare indicator back in london but if not i'll be in touch ollie - many thanks.

prior to this work i took extensive pics though, and i've been keeping all my receipts. i reckon if all else fails i'll small claims court it, armed with the video footage.

happy new year!
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RobC
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Post by RobC »

*update*

friendly policeman popped round a few days after Christmas to inform me they found the driver (an elderly EX CROWN COURT JUDGE!), who has admitted full liability. the reg number wasn't either of the suggested ones above btw.

in fact i received a letter from said gentleman yesterday, requesting that i send the bill for the repair to him. he doesn't want to involve insurers due to being 73 years of age... which should avoid any risks of 'write off'. result!

only thing now is to find a decent bx-friendly body specialist in the london area to make good my hasty repairs, and who will know things like how to make replacement bumper mounts for bxes etc (may as well get the bumper fixed up proper while i'm at it).

so, any recommendations?

over and out :)

rob
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thanuttiscotsman
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Post by thanuttiscotsman »

excellent news! now triple the bill and send it to the ****.
glad you caught the fu**** and good luck with fixing it :D
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Timmo
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Post by Timmo »

Great news rob!
see, its not all chavs and wags who hit and run!!!!
Timmo 8)

After all i am the Cornish one!

Its Because its French!
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ollie
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Post by ollie »

I could send you an invoice for what it would cost in birmingham by me based on a photo, then you could bank the cheque and do what you like when you like, or do nothing and keep the cash!

Either way if you want an emailed bill to print out and present PM me with a email address

Ollie
Gary C
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Post by Gary C »

If it is not too far, try Richard at R&V Coachworks in Warlingham, Surrey 01883 627453 - he looks after the bodywork on the race cars. John Witty (Witmun Engineering) should be able to supply parts to him if required - he only lives ten mins away from there.
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RobC
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Post by RobC »

Happy postscript:

Front bumper's looking good as new and wing all fixed, courtesy of PTS Developments.

Received payment in full from His Honour by return of post.

Marvellous.
Mike E (uk)
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Post by Mike E (uk) »

Great news,

Hope you and the BX are happy.

best regards,

Mike
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