Car Collision Ridiculous Amount Year Later

[Guest]

Hi everyone.
English is not my first language so I would like to apologise for all mistakes I will make but I desperately need help. Usually I was fining solution on this forum but this time I have no idea what to do and will be so grateful for any response.

Almost year ago I was rent a van from Turner. 13.05.2016 I had collision with lady. I was starting from parked position and lady which was exactly in my blind spot was overtake me in the same moment. My van was untouched because I didn't event started driving. Her car has one big scratch, small cut on tyre. Nothing major. I gave her all my details , all details about van company and we took pictures. I offered her that I will pay for damage because it's pointless to call to insurance company with that small damage. She said she need to talk with her husband and take car to the garage for all costs and she will let me know if she want's to do with insurance company or not. She never phoned me so I was sure she decided phone to her insurance company. I made a huge mistake and I didn't inform Turner. I thought I don't have to if there is no any damage with their van and if will have to pay something for that collision they will contact me asap.
Two weeks ago I received a letter from DAC BEACHCROFT with first of all my wrong spelled name . I gave all details correct written myself to avoid any mistakes.

Our Client: ..... ( her name was correct)
Date of Accident : 13 May 2016 (that's also right)

We are instructed by AXA Insurance Plc, the insurers of ...... to recover their losses arising from the above incident.

Circumstances
You drove your vehicle from parked position into a collision with our client's vehicle causing damage.
Liability
We therefore hold you responsible in negligence, for our client's outlay in this matter.
Quantum
Our client's outlay totals £1,352.04, inclusive of the excess payment of £300. We enclose supporting documentation.

This letter is without prejudice to any claim for uninsured losses the Claimant may have.
Please forward your cheque for £1,352.04 made payable to DAC Beachcroft Claims Ltd and send to address below.

Alternatively, if you wish your insurers to deal with this claim please forward them the copy letter enclosed and ask them to contact us immediately.

Please accept this letter as formal notice pursuant to Section 151 and 152 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 of the commencement of proceedings.

Interim Payments
Should you choose to make an interim payment or issue a cheque in settlement that does not cover the full amount claimed we reserve the right to retain payment on an interim basics only whilst investigations continue or return the payment to you and issue Court Proceedings.

We look forward to receiving your cheque as requested within the next 14 days.

As I said in top of that English is not my first language and I spent last two weeks trying to find out what rights I have. And actually I did not find out anything. They send me another letter dated 7 April 2017 , which I received today .

We refer to our letter of 24 March 2017 to which we have not received a response.

Unless we hear from you within next 7 days, i.e. on or before 14 April 2017 with your cheque or with confirmation that liability is not an issue we have instructions from our insurer client to issue County Court proceedings against you for recovery of these monies. please note if proceedings are issued this will include a claim for interest, costs and disbursements.

Please accept this letter as formal notice pursuant to Section 151 and 152 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 of the commencement of proceedings.

I never ever had any incident any accident . I never had any penalty points any offences. They gave me 7 days which is actually two and I have no idea how to respond.

[des8]

Re: Car Collision Ridiculous Amount Year Later

Acknowledge letter and say you are passing matter to your insurers.(no more, no less)(email will do)

Write to car hire firm (Turner) (or the insurers if you have their details) and tell them you have received a claim from a third party.
You have acknowledged the letter by email
You enclose a copies of both Beachcroft letter & your email for forwarding to the insurers.
You deny any liability as the claimant drove into you.
Possibly whilst you were stationary. (You actually say "I was Starting" and then "I didn't even started driving" which seems contradictory so get your story straight!)
As there was no damage to your vehicle you did not think there was a claim to report.

[Guest]

Re: Car Collision Ridiculous Amount Year Later

Thank you Des8 for your quick advice.

To make my story right.. I was parked on drive. I put indicator, check mirror and release the clutch and i heard noise. I was in shock totally. I didn't see this car. The lady said I hit her car, thats blame is on my side. I didn't argue because it was my first incident ever. Her Neighbors was there. I gave her all details and took from her. We took photos. She wanted to see my documents to check I am not lying as she said she had accident before and other lady gave her wrong details. She phoned her husband. She said her husband need to see the car and she will let me know.

[des8]

Re: Car Collision Ridiculous Amount Year Later

You "release the clutch"....IMO that will be interpreted that you were moving and hit her especially if the marks on her vehicle start some way down her bodywork.
Probably not worth denying liability to your insurers, but neither should you admit it.


You may have a problem in that you admitted liability to the other driver.

Whatever, you must notfy your insurers immediately,who will probably be concerned at the late advice.

Or you could pay the outstanding bill!

[Guest]

Re: Car Collision Ridiculous Amount Year Later

Thank you Des8.