Hey folks, hoping to get some guidance as I've never had to go through this before
My kid (P plater) was driving along the highway and another car has merged into hers. Nobody was significantly injured. Driver of the other vehicle appears to have admitted being at fault. She had 3rd party property insurance, guy who ran into her has none. Both cars not driveable.
We were told by family to go through her insurance company (RACQ) anyway. RACQ won't answer direct questions about it until they've decided whether they will pay. They want me to get all his info, but he is refusing to provide an address.
Police were at the scene but filed no official report. Also, won't talk to me as I wasn't there, and refuse to provide any advice or guidance on how to proceed. Kid filled out a report(?) but police haven't responded. Other driver has now told me not to call him (I called to ask for address) - not going to be cooperative at all. He is also on probation, does this situation affect that/could it provide incentive for him to cooperate?
The car is only worth $2-$3k, towing home was $400. But this is a lot of money to us.
What's the next step? How do we go about taking someone to court? Through the police or are solicitors required?
Thanks in advance.
Update:
Racq confirmed they found his address on their own from his rego and I was misinformed earlier.
Going to the police station with kid tomorrow to make the report.
Just have to wait and see what racq says now
Thanks everyone, some really good and specific advice here
You've got TPP and car is only worth 2-3k? Perfect situation to use the 'uninsured at-fault drivers cover that covers up to $5K' where the at-fault driver is uninsured.
From the RACQ TPP website: Get up to $5,000 for loss or damage to your car caused by an at-fault uninsured third-party
Don't rely on this. Is there dashcam footage? Are there any independent witnesses who's details you have now? The cops would've written something down and they could've spoken to people on the scene to get more details. The cops might have an opinion of who's at fault. Whatever it is, get your hands on it as soon as you can. There's a very good chance that the other driver will blame your kid as the one being at fault so, without anything to prove otherwise, it becomes one person's word against another's - which is a damn pain in the ass.