Fender Bender

Dolby

Dolby

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So this morning on the highway me and another driver moved into the same lane ... and tried to accupy the same space. Unfortunately, that didn't work ...

I still say that I was like 70% IN the lane and I can't understand how her on the right, couldn't see a big orange Volvo next to her - but I guess besides the point.

I only took her name, number and licence plate (wasn't thinking to take more) and I'm going to report the incident to the cops now, as well as get a quote. Both our cars aren't bad (though hers is a little worse) and in my eyes, no point in going through insurance at all. I certainly don't want mine to cover ANYTHING (hers or mine) - but at the same time I don't see this as my fault and won't pay for her car.

If I'm happy to fix my car - how does it work?

Never had a fender bender



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You still need to report it to your insurance, even if you don't claim.
 
You need to let the insurance know.

You can still fix it yourself.
 
Ah thanks - didn't know that.

Will they need a police number?
So police > insurance then I can do my own thing?
 
Dolby said:
Ah thanks - didn't know that.

Will they need a police number?
So police > insurance then I can do my own thing?
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Yes they will need a police number.

There is a chance that if she claims through insurance and says it is your fault then her insurance may try and claim from yours.

Ideally you should have tried to get witnesses to the fender bender, although I know people are hesitant to be witnesses in case they are needed to testify.
 
Interested how it went down, was she angry? Were you angry? Was anyone in shock?
 
Bummer man. :( Was eyeing that Volvo last night, quite good looking in that colour. Sorry to hear about the bump.
 
durbandave said:
Ideally you should have tried to get witnesses to the fender bender, although I know people are hesitant to be witnesses in case they are needed to testify.
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Yea - thing is in peak traffic on the highway, most people just want to get to work and not take 30 minutes stopping on the side :/ My damage I guess is no more than R2,000.00 - same with hers
 
Pooky said:
Interested how it went down, was she angry? Were you angry? Was anyone in shock?
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Nah - we were ok. SHE looked a little peeved (dunno why) and she was very hesitant to speak though to me. She only really spoke when I spoke to her and asked her things. Maybe she didn't want to say anything incase I would be the dick and use it against her?

I was relieved when I saw the damage was slight though.
 
TehStranger said:
Bummer man. :( Was eyeing that Volvo last night, quite good looking in that colour. Sorry to hear about the bump.
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Thanks man.

I'll have to use your cash to part repair now. Bleh
 
Dolby said:
Yea - thing is in peak traffic on the highway, most people just want to get to work and not take 30 minutes stopping on the side :/ My damage I guess is no more than R2,000.00 - same with hers
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No more than R2000... just wait pal. Whenever I say that, it's at least 300% of whatever I expect because "this part can't be replaced without replacing that other one" and "that can't be repainted it has to be replaced" or "if we respray this, we'll have to do the whole panel and surrounding panels or it won't blend", etc etc... especially if the car is < 10 years old.

Maybe she didn't want to say anything incase I would be the dick and use it against her?
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Probably, I remember my parents telling me when I was learning, to talk as little as possible and not comment on the accident.. a few accidents later and I'm way too much of a pro at handling these situations without opening myself up to liability :)
 
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Yip
Your damage will be a lot more than R2000.
Report to SAPS, get number, report to insurance, get quote, decide, advise insurance if you're claiming for own damages or not.
 
Go to the police as she could make it your fault, as you "rear-ended" her. Had that happen to me 10 years ago and I was told I should've anticipated and kept a good following distance.
Also your damage will cost more then 2000 :-( as the paint alone is probably that. Good luck
 
Dolby said:
Yea - thing is in peak traffic on the highway, most people just want to get to work and not take 30 minutes stopping on the side :/ My damage I guess is no more than R2,000.00 - same with hers
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Dean said:
No more than R2000...
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You are both wrong. I had exactly the same damage done to the wheel arch of my BMW a few weeks back. After searching around most quotes were between R3,000 - R4,000.

I finally found a place that fixed the damage for R2,890. Never claimed from insurance.
 
genetic said:
You are both wrong. I had exactly the same damage done to the wheel arch of my BMW a few weeks back. After searching around most quotes were between R3,000 - R4,000.

I finally found a place that fixed the damage for R2,890. Never claimed from insurance.
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there is damage to the rim as well. That alone is probably R 500 - 1000.
 
question ... if both drivers turn at the exact same time for the middle lane on from the left lane and one from the right lane who's right of way is it ?
 
RiaX said:
question ... if both drivers turn at the exact same time for the middle lane on from the left lane and one from the right lane who's right of way is it ?
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Should be the person who signalled first. Not easy to find who did though.
 
She was on your right.. so you had just overtaken someone else on their left? if that's the case you are at fault.
 
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