Been In Car Accident

[Smowball]

This afternoon I was driving and the winter sun was blinding in front of me - I could barely see even though I had sunglasses on - it was about 3.30pm and it was just so low it was eye level. Anyway I was driving really along and then suddenly this lorry smashed into the back of me. It was so loud I honestly thought a bomb had gone off. I was in shock and dazed, but luckily Mr Smow was in passenger seat. Turns out lorry driver was also completely blinded by the sun and just smashed into me.Have whiplash, hurt left leg and cars a mess but could have been much worse. Was really frightening though.

[SnookerPlayer]

Not true about the insurance, I have personal experience twice over.

A car could be technically written off for a dented boot and broken bumper.

We are not talking cut and shut here.

[hc4361]

Wouldn't it be cheaper for the insurance company to spend £1k repairing it than £3k in write off value?

This is all besides the point - nobody knows if Smow's car is a write off

[Zacs-Master]

It’s legal to sell a Cat C or D car as long as its status is declared. Even so, they’re much cheaper – possibly as much as 50% cheaper – because there’s a stigma attached to them and they’ll need repairing.

Don’t expect insuring your Cat C or D car will be straightforward. Some insurers won’t consider covering such a car and those that do may charge a higher premium.

http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/tips-and-advice/114820/cat-d-cars-insurance-write-offs

[hc4361]

Some insurers will not insure a Cat C or Cat D write off after it's been repaired - those are the only categories allowed back on the road.

[Smowball]

Car is two years old. Have rang insurers and seeing doctor first thing. Am just lucky it wasn't much worse.

[SnookerPlayer]

Things have probably changed. 15 or so years ago I had a car I was fond of. Twice written off, shunted up the rear, twice bought back and twice got compo, this was the direction you were steered into, then.

[hc4361]

Start a diary now, Smow. It will prove invaluable.

Write down everything that happened in detail, including the other reg number and driver details. Make sure the time and place are clearly recorded.
Record any losses incurred to personal items in the car - damage to clothing, phones etc

All your symptoms day by day. Take photos of injuries and bruising, making sure they are dated. Not just physical symptoms but your mental state such as weepy, shocked, unable to sleep, nightmares, flashbacks

Keep a record of every doctor and hospital appointment and any treatment.

Keep a record of every phone call to the insurance company and any one else involved in your claim and treatment.

Keep a record of expenses. Every penny. Travel costs to GP, medication, extra costs incurred for your normal activities because you have no car - everything.

It's a pain in the bum but has to be done. Easier to do it as you go than try and remember 6 months after

[ummmm]

My insurance company gave me back a written off car and the insurance didn't go up. The damage was all panel damage.

[Smowball]

Will do hc - thanks. I've had photos taken already- even I was shocked at the bruising in them.

[Smowball]

Just wondering - is itnall likely to take longer, less with it being a company vehicle involved and not a private vehicle?

[ummmm]

Shouldn't do, Smow.

[Zacs-Master]

Potentially quicker Smow if your company are known to them and receive repeat business.

[ummmm]

It was a lorry that's a company vehicle.

[Smowball]

Sorry for not personally replying to all your lovely comments last night and also all your horror stories about your own crashes- I wasn't quite with it . You've all had some awful experiences by the sounds of it.xx

[hc4361]

The last time I was in a serious accident the claim for the car was sorted very quickly. I had a courtesy car until the pay out for the car, about 2 weeks. It took 6 years to get compensation for personal injury.

[ducksie]

I felt you'd be worse for wear today, sorry to hear that, I also thought coming online last night was in a way a reflex for you to come on here and give us an account of what happened, as you say, looking back, you weren't really with it, I do hope you make a speedy recovery and you won't find any more nasty bumps and bruises as the day goes on, you are very lucky to have walked away with just those injuries, if I were you I would do something legal about it now, still puzzled that the police car just passed you, maybe the were rushing to another situation, they could have made contact with the station and told them there was an accident on such a road. Keep well xx

[rockyracoon]

Poor you, Smow. I hope you're feeling better today.

[Smowball]

I feel worse today actually. Just going to take it easy. Xx thankyou

[ducksie]

Just take things easy smow x