Altercation with a car.

R

Remstar

New User
Joined
21 November 2011
Messages
9
Visit site
Two friends and I were riding up a narrow lane (not wide enough for two cars to pass at once) and a car decided to try and pass us, not waiting for a passing place. I was at the front so she went past two horses before she got to me (we were riding single file). I put my schooling whip over to indicate how close she was, she slowed down but then carried on. My horse spooked but having nowhere to go, he hit her car and caused a dent. I think this is completely her fault as there was nowhere near enough room to go past us. Also, this lane is a cut-through. She saw us turning into the lane and could have gone the slightly longer main road route. She also told us she was running late! I'm glad to report that my horse is absolutely fine, but just wondering if I should/need to report this to the police. She told me she is reporting it to the police today. Also, the driver didn't have a mobile phone but my friend and I took loads of pictures. The woman has subsequently rung me asking for a copy of the photos. Do I give them to her? I have advised my insurance company. Any advice gratefully received.
 
yes, report it to the police asap to cover your back. I had an altercation with a car once that sounds similar only with more damage to the car. Bus driver saw the whole thing happen as well. Reported it to police who told the driver off for driving too fast and being a plank (also skid marks on road) and I never heard anything else about it. Good luck!
 
I'd contact the BHS legal helpline asap. and also report it to the police; the car driver's version of events might be quite different to yours and I'd want a record of the actual event from your perspective from the off rather than having to defend yourself from any unfair comments.

Good luck!
 
Yes - definitely report it to the police - any insident with a vehicle should be reported to them within 24 hours. You will only look the better person for proactively going to them.

Re Photos - I'd refuse, suggest she deals directly with the police/ insurance companies from now on rather than talking to you directly - then everything is official/ on record. You should offer the photos to the police if they need them.

The less you can say the better in those situations as it gets into he said/ she said with nobody independent to confirm what happened/ was said. Hence why official channels best to avoid any confusion.
 
As others have said... report asap. Hopefully you have insurance (not that it is your fault but incase it turns into a battle). Why drivers insist upon squeezing past is beyond me...
 
Exactly this happened to me last year. I reported to the police but they said it was a private matter so I didn't really need to. Her insurance contacted me but in the end agreed that she was at fault as clearly not following the highway code and passing wide. I wouldnt give her the pics, I would ask for all communication to be done through the insurance companies. Have a hug - I know how horribly stressful it is!
 
Definitely report to the police and take the shoulder number and name of the police officer you report it to. I have an unfortunate accident in a car park a few years ago. I was reversing out of a space and a woman walking and talking to her friend walked into the side of my car. She came up to me and told me she was going to report me to the store manager (Sainsbury's) and I told her I would park and come in also. She disappeared so I went and reported myself to the police. Unfortunately I did'nt get a shoulder number or name of the officer and as he had told me not to worry and just go home and forget about it I did. Several weeks later I was contacted by the police for the accident as she had gone to her solicitor. My insurance company wasnt too pleased as I had nothing to give them regarding my report. So be careful, take details. I have heard other people have the similar problems with the police as some of them can't be bothered with the paper work. I did work in a police control room for a while so know what happens.
 
Oh and as others have said, dont give her the pictures, give them to your insurance company.
 
Yes, I have insurance and have reported the matter to them. I just rang the police but have been told I need to go in person to the police station as this is classed as a road traffic accident. Unfortunately, all our local police stations are closed on a Monday so I'll get to the nearest one after work and sorting horse etc. Thanks for all your help and replies.
 
Worth checking the closing time of the police station (often shut at 6pm - no idea when you finish work!)
I had a dink in the car on the way to work, all very minor, I was told the same as you - have to attend in person with documents (which were at home!) I finsihed work after the station shut so I took a couple of hours holiday the next morning to go in but got a minor slapped wrist as it was more than 24 hours after the event ! Even though I was there as the station opened!

I'd take some ID (photo driving licence/ passport) and a copy of your third party liability insurance docs.
And agree with above make sure they give you an incident number and copy of the report.

Lots of hassle but well worth it in the long run if the woman tries to take it further.
 
They close at 11pm so all good! Makes you laugh though, the website gives the opening times and then there's a disclaimer underneath that says to check first by phoning as the opening times are likely to change. Unfortunately they don't give a phone number!
 
Car v Horse collision is a reportable collision under the Road Traffic Act. You should report it to the police 'as soon as practicable & certainly within 24 hours' as the Act says. If you are a bit out of time & you can give a reasonable excuse you should be alright, but don't leave it too long.

Regarding photographs etc, infact anything to do with the incident, as you have already involved your insurance company, forward everything you have to them & just let the driver know that your insurance company is dealing with everything & they should be approached if they want any further information. Your insurance company will want to take control of the incident & need to be aware of anything that has been said, photographed etc. After all that's what you pay your premiums for.
 
Did you get her insurance details to give to your insurers? If not you need to contact her for them - although if you gave them the reg number of the car they have probably already done this. Do not give her any pictures, they are yours not hers. Let the insurance companies sort it out. The likelihood is that her insurance will have to cover the damage to her car. However, if your horse spooked then it is possible this could be contested. This is where you need to state that there was not room for her to pass so she should never have been there in the first place!

Some car drivers are so ignorant. Unfortunately, I am ashamed to say it is mainly women I find drive like this which does not give the rest of us women a good name driving wise!
 
All three of you need to make independant reports to the police

That will then be three against one should anything come of this
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top