how do i stand with an accident in a private car park?

Question

I have tapped someones car and i know there is no damgage but they are saying its been scrapped bumper gone in etc etc. not at 2mph is there that damage as all i did was reverse into it and then brake. yeah im in the wrong but what if i am in dispute of the damage and is this classed as a civil matter. and will insurance companies be interested? pls help

Answer 1

It doesn't matter that it was on private land. If it was on a public road it'd STILL be a civil matter - no crime is involved.

The bottom line is, he's suing you for damage - the only dispute is about the amount - just the same as if it had been on a road.

Don't forget that you've got some evidence in your favour - the damage to your own car.

Answer 2

I did something similar a few months ago, but unfortunately I wasn't going 2mph, I wasn't speeding, but I did reverse with some force into another car.

You will have to go through your insurance company, unless you want to come to some arrangement and pay for the damage yourself. This may be a better option if the cost isn't too high, as it won't then effect your NCB (no claims bonus). I regretted not doing that when it came to renewing my policy and the price has gone up!!

It's annoying, especially in my case as the car I hit wasn't even parked in a designated parking space, and others around weren't either.... so I was so busy avoiding all the badly parked cars that I failed to notice yet another one behind me!!

So, sorry, but you were driving and the responsibility is classed as yours.

Answer 3

I think that you really need to talk to this person and try to come to some sort of compromise as they might try and pursue you through the courts which if they win could end up costing you a whole lot more and if you don't pay you could end up with a ccj against you,I know this sounds drastic but it can happen, my father had a Tesco trolley roll down hill into his car and the person responsible admitted liability they then changed their mind,no doubt hoping that as it was effectively on private land that there would be no claim made against them,however my father was prepared to recover his repair costs by taking them to the Small claims court,which they didn't want to do so they paid up,it's tricky for you as you have no way of knowing what condition their car bumper was in before you tapped it,all I can say is weigh up the pro's and con's, is it better in the long run to take it on the chin and get it sorted or do you Fancy weeks of writing letters and threats of legal action?

Answer 4

Don't just offer to pay, you might end up buying him all sorts of new bits. You really need to go through your insurance at least until you know how much he is claiming. The Private car park is irrelevant, insurance should cover you anywhere the public have access. If it's a plastic bumper they are unfortunately very fragile. Make sure you see a quotation from a reputable repair shop, or even ask to let your assessor see it.

Answer 5

Car insurance does not apply on private land. You are insured for driving and parking on the Public roads only. Some car parks have a notice saying you park at your own risk. You cannot claim for damage from your insurers on private land. The police would only be involved if someone was injured as a result of the accident.

Answer 6

John H is thoroughly incorrect. inner maximum motor vehicle parks are lined under the line site visitors Act, if contributors of the commonplace public can get right of entry to it the two unfastened or via charge. the single way signs and indications in a private motor vehicle park at the instant are not enforceable and for this reason do not would desire to be adhered to. notwithstanding you will in all probability would desire to settle for some accountability and in my previous journey it might bypass 70/30 on your favour, because of the fact the different occasion had an obligation of care whilst reversing.

Answer 7

your alright, its private land. and at most a civil offence.

tell johnny to prove his claim, with damage reports and estimates... and an invoice for having the work done.

your assertion that it was 2mph and did no damage is irellavent... my brother had a asda trolley run into his renault, that cost 1400 quid to put right... (mind you it was 3 weeks old)

it can go to a civil court. but johnny needs proof and paperwork...

Answer 8

If you hit a parked car, it doesn't matter where the car is parked. The fact is, you hit their car, the accident is your fault and therefore they are entitled to claim of your insurance. Accident location does not come into the equation unfortunately.

Answer 9

you gotta pay up, next time keep a camera in your your car, and take a photo of any damage.

Answer 10

well you could go to court and fight the payments, or if you get really mad just pay for it and call the guy names