Is It Reasonable To Offer To Replace A Headlight And A Wing While The Other Drivers Covers The Labour?

[faith4imani]

We were turning right from a main road into a side road.
Two buses were one behind the other waiting to turn behind us into the turning opposite the one we were taking.
The second bus dropped back and indicated that we were clear to turn. We inched out then started to drive into the turning.
As we stuck our nose out a car came from our left - behind the amicable bus - and damaged the whole front of our car.
We took photos and the other driver said they would settle with the headlight. A witness agreed that they had said that.
After 5 days they called us and was told to deal with me concerning the matter.
5 days later they called and I offered to supply the headlight and wing but they would have to cover labour. This is a recession and money is tight all round AND insurance premiums would increase as a result so why not resolve the situation amicably...
They said they would get back the next day.
However a week later they called and said they were not at fault so we should cover all costs.
Who was at fault? And who should pay for the repairs?

[joko]

you crossed their path, when your way was not clear and you couldn't see behind the bus

when cars are waiting to turn right it is very typical for vehicles behind to come round them on the left.

just because a bus allows you through, does not mean they speak for the rest of the road.

you are at fault

[pixie373]

Yes, you crossed it's right of way without being able to see, so there is no reason for the other driver to pay.

[faith4imani]

Our only way of checking if it was clear was to inch out. It seemed clear so we drove on then WHAM!!!

[SirOracle]

I agree that it is your fault - turning in front of the third party. I am afraid that you are liable for the cost of the damage,and you may also be faced with the cost of a hire car whilst the T P's car is off the road undergoing repair.

[faith4imani]

I should also add that their offside headlight was smashed and their offside front wing was peeled back. The entire front of our bonnet was dented, the grill and bumper are history and the offside wing is damaged... Nearside though all is well...

[factor-fiction]

Why not let your insurer deal with it?
Even if you try to settle it outside the insurance you will need to notify your insurer of the accident. It could turn messy if you don't say anything and then the other driver puts in a personal injury claim for whiplash, sleepless nights etc

[faith4imani]

This has been very enlightening!
Thank you all for your valid input.
I will gladly call the other driver and sort it out properly.

Have a wonderful week to you all!

Thanks!!!

[joko]

the level of damage is irrelevant - as is you thinking it was clear so you drove on - it wasn't clear.
if you cannot see to continue then you don't just go anyway - if you could not see, then you should have let the bus go past you and turned behind it