General Had an accident!

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General Had an accident!

I just got some "Call fiat First" key ring thingies last week and recall mixed reports on the service on here, so it will be useful to know how you find them.

Putting my lawyer's hat on, I'd also just add that I wouldn't be unduly worried about needing to prove anything to do with the scampering parked vehicle - it is all done on "blanace of probability" and logic dictates that you would not have done an emergency stop for no reason. Added to which, although there are circumstances in which the car in front can be to blame when hit from behind, unless the lady behind you starts lying her head off, that won't be the case here.

I would, however, just jot down and date and sign a note of what she said to you at the time and what she has said subsequently (if anything). I'm sure she is a very nice lady, but you never know, and judges (and therefore insurance companies who know they have to face judges if things don't get sorted) love "contemporaneous written evidence" as we call it. If she has texted you apologetically, save them or print them (if you can).

Glad you are all well. There but for the grace of God go all of us.

Some excellent advice PJ. It is a shame in these times that you have to be so careful what you say. The advice that I was given even when you think you're in the wrong is don't admit it. The law can get in the way of 'human kindness'. Even a 'sorry' admission can be con screwed the wrong way.
 
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It will probably need a new rear cross member and bar bumper clip rail (or what ever you call it) perhapse new rear bumper lights/ loom as well (now realising that its a GP/ abarth)

as long as the chassis legs that it bolts to aren't mangled there isnt much behind the bumper

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I've been to the Accident repair centre this morning. So far I can't fault Fiat Accident Aftercare - they've been very quick. Maybe if the situation wasn't so clear cut it might have been a different story... Anyway, the guy took some pictures and said that the car will need new bumper, new tailgate, bumper clip rail. Didn't mention the bumper lights loom but at that is not working it might be included as well. They will call once they got the parts. Will keep you posted...
 
Yeah Dave, he did. Seemed satisfied. I've asked him is there any structural damage to the chassis but he said no. Obviously I can only take his word for it... but I guess that if they can find more parts to replace they would, so I'm hopeful that that is all.
 
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They probably only checked the visible/obvious damage at this stage. I expect as soon as they get it stripped down they will then make a more detailed list. Perhaps Mel can ask to keep the bumper reinforcement bar (if replaced) and make a feature of it in her lounge, lol.
 
Thanks Venters. Just to make clear, the car in front (might have even been a Toyota :rolleyes:) was stationary on the half-blind bend on a 60 dual carriageway - there was no chance that I could have anticipated that! Anyway I DID manage to stop, Punto with no ABS and no Brembos behind me didn't. Its a shame that it happened but I feel in no way responsible as I didn't hit anyone! All I'm saying that I wished I got the reg no of the guy who was responsible for the shunt as he has caused it, and he should be held to account. Obviously nothing wrong with his car as he fled the scene :bang:


Don't worry at all, you are safe that's what matters and in bit of a shock.

If it helps, we were out cycling during summer and stopped for a coffee... wife was on kerbside and pulled bike to chain it up to stand almost next to the kerb, all of a sudden the lorry parked next to cycle stand pulled off and the back end squashed wife against the bike rack, had she not screamed and stopped the lorry she would have lost a leg. I was like rabbit in headlights and you know the worst thing we were so shocked we did not photo or take down the registration, but prey wife is well. Oh street cameras did not help either, all local police stations were closed and had to travel miles, case is going via mib.org.uk
 
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