Hi guys,
I've recently involved in an accident and really need your advice as a way of preparation before things start going unfavorably for me.
Here is a summary:
- I drove a Audi Q3, which belongs to my friend, who unfortunately did not buy any insurance (Yes I know, right !!!).
- The other driver, who drove a Holden Cruze, had comprehensive insurance with Eric Insurance.
- The incident happened at a petrol station where we were both trying to exit on the drive way.
- Usually I would queue up and exit the station one by one, however, there was a large amount of space on her left hand side and because of the fact that she didn't not put on her signal light + it was possible to turn right from the drive way -> I decided to pull my car to her left, side by side.
- We both tried to turn left to exit from the drive way -> I stopped immediately after realizing she was turning left on to me. However it was too late and we had a collision on my front right. She had a much heavier damage including 2 left doors, 1 rear left quarter panel & 1 rear bumper.
Luckily I had the full footage of what happened thanks to the kind servo manager - link of the footage - updated to actual speed
Let me know your opinion in this circumstance and comment the reason for your vote. I would also greatly appreciate if any one has experience in this kind of situation can share the possible outcome that I may face.
I have a feeling that this will be a lengthy process going back and forth with their insurer.
Edit: Can now confirm the video was 2x speed. Video duration was 21s but actual footage shows 42s of recording time. That means i waited twice as long, drove half as fast, proceeded with more caution while the other driver had 4s intead of 2s chance to turn left with more chance of checking blindspot but didn’t. Thanks viper8548 for the tip to check the video speed.
Edit 2: Video reposted with actual speed - so for those with faster fingers than brains, I drove at a normal speed, waited 6 secs before proceeding to crawl forward after seeing the other driver proceeded rightward. The video now showed clearly the other driver changed her mind at last sec and hit me while I was stationary (I stopped and she hit me)
UPDATE: Just had a call from the insurer confirming the following:
- Their client was AT FAULT for not indicating and for not checking blind spot when turning.
- They believe I did contribute to the accident in certain extent.
They offered Each Bears Own at this stage - however, are willing to consider some small compensation amount after I have my car checked out at their authorised repairer. I did make them confirm their offer because I didn't want them to turn around and settle by 50-50 as the other car's damage costs $8k to fix while mine is probably $2-3k.
I would like to thank those who have judged the situations fairly and given your opinions only based on only the facts - It's been a great help for me to gather up the reasons to stand on my feet against the insurer. For others, who have made stereotype comments based on your prejudice about people driving nice car, people that drives without insurance etc., I hope you know what to do next time, because everyone is DIFFERENT.
Haha well done.