Not-at-fault crash - do I bother notifying the Police?

**jrandom** · 20th May 2008, 16:22

Long story short?

Around lunchtime today, a less-than-alert lady driver turned right on Grafton Road without looking, resulting in kiwifruit's R1 getting smashed up and me getting off extraordinarily lightly (Draggin Jeans do what it says on the tin - I'm impressed).

Details collected, claim forms dispatched, Tim at JBI has laughed his arse off and made me promise not to make any more hair gel jokes at his expense, etc.

Given that my total injuries amount to a slight feeling of warmth on my left leg where the Draggin kevlar rubbed around between it and the road, I didn't think to call the fuzz from the scene of the crash.

I'm now wondering whether I shouldn't pop into a station and make some sort of report as insurance against getting fucked over by the oh-so-nice lady driver in question, who will undoubtedly, within the next day or two, act as they always do and start loudly claiming that none of it was her fault.

Would anyone with relevant experience or expertise care to contribute informed commentary on the matter?

Ta in advance.

And now I'll probably be reduced to borrowing Stickchick's EL250 until Betty's out of the shop... look on my works, ye mighty, and despair! May 2008 just ain't my month, is it?

**Str8 Jacket** · 20th May 2008, 16:25

Im gonna call your bluff.

**Mully** · 20th May 2008, 16:27

Mate, report it. For insurance against her denial as you said, but also in case you develop injuries that require ACC intervention.

Plus, it makes your insurance company more helpful.

If you don't, I bet she will. And she wil spin it.

**vifferman** · 20th May 2008, 16:29

My condolences on your oops.

Whelp, I've been in similar circumstances myself, but fortunately in the two cases where the polis weren't informed, the other drivers didn't renege on their "It was all my fault" initial stance. I guess I was lucky.

**CookMySock** · 20th May 2008, 16:29

Originally Posted by jrandom

[...] as insurance against getting fucked over by the oh-so-nice lady driver in question, who will undoubtedly, within the next day or two, act as they always do and start loudly claiming that none of it was her fault.

Uh huh. Didn't you see the thread about this a few weeks back ? You have answered your own question of course.

Do it.

DB

**Maha** · 20th May 2008, 16:30

Na I wouldn't report it....Just Courier Post the bits to Taupo and change your address.....

**jrandom** · 20th May 2008, 16:33

OK. I guess I'll pop down t'station in the morning and have a good old whinge.

It's a shame, because, all things considered, I'd rather not make the lady's life any more difficult; I expect she'll end up getting hit up for an insurance excess, etc, etc.

But I suppose one can never trust in human nature in such circumstances.

Sad world, innit?

**Blossom** · 20th May 2008, 16:33

I am with Mully on this one.
My dad got done over by a "helpfull young man" who after going so fast, drove into the side of my dads trailer, then went to the cops a day or two later and said Dad pulled out in front of him... because the young man was in a borrowed uninsured car... $5000 court costs later, Dad finally won.
Better to be safe than sorry. Also if she or you is injured; by law it must be reported within 24hrs I believe.

**Cajun** · 20th May 2008, 16:35

should have a report lodged with police, insurance will be wanting a copy of this report, if not yours, hers for sure will be, so best to get in first. before she can get in and blame you.

**jrandom** · 20th May 2008, 16:35

Originally Posted by Blossom

if she or you is injured...

Well, I do have this kinda scrape thing goin' on on my left knee.

And I wouldn't be at all surprised if I wake up in the morning with a blinding headache after having twisted my neck in the fall.

**sinfull** · 20th May 2008, 16:39

If that nice lil ol lady dont screw ya over, sure as F..k her insurance co will have a go if they sniff an opening !

**NZsarge** · 20th May 2008, 16:45

Bugger!
you already answered your own question in the first post really.
Tell the po po.

**scrivy** · 20th May 2008, 16:49

Best thing that could have happened to the fruits bike.......

**DingoZ** · 20th May 2008, 16:50

Aye..

All non injury vehicle accidents must be reported by parties involved to their nearest police station within 48 hrs.

Covers you in case either yourself or the other party develops medical issues, or insurance problems, as the insurance companies require an event number or file number as referance...

Plus if the police think that either driver could be charged with an offence then charges sometimes are proceeded with....

AS happened when the guy ran into the back of me.....