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rusty76
16-06-09, 09:06 PM
Hi All,

About a week ago I had an incident in the car where a car jumped in front of me approaching a roundabout and braked so hard that I can only assume they were trying to get me to hit them in the rear. I managed to stop in time and did'nt hit them. They dissapeared and I counted myself lucky.

However firstly last night we got a call from our insurance asking if we'd had a bump; no.

Then this morning I got a letter of Notification of Intended Prosecution (NIP) from the police alleging dangerous/careless/without due care. This is the reply I have posted to this:

"I do recall this incident. I was travelling in the right-hand lane (marked for turning right only) approaching the roundabout at approximately 15-20mph. A car passed me at speed in the left-hand lane (marked for turning left only) and then moved suddenly over to the right in front of me (approximately 10 metres before the roundabout junction). I sounded my horn to alert them to my presence. The car then braked abruptly, which required me to also brake and stop, which I did so without incurring any collision between the vehicles. The car in front then moved on. I stopped at the first safe and legal location to do so (the nearby car park) and I checked the front of my vehicle to reaffirm that no collision had occurred. I could not locate the other vehicle involved. I believe I drove correctly, considerately and acted in accordance with the law at all points.
Our insurance company have also recently been in touch regarding this incident. As I have discussed with them, they may conduct an independent inspection of our vehicle to confirm that it has not been involved in a collision".

Has anyone got any experience of these matters and NIP?, any advice would be greatly appreciated

rigor
16-06-09, 09:09 PM
Were there any cars behind you? Only thing I can think of is that someone behind you ad a bump (possibly the two cars behind you) and they are blaming you?? When you pulled over could you see where the incident took place? Where there any other cars?

dizzyblonde
16-06-09, 09:12 PM
Sounds like one of those insurance scam things. Heard a lot of around here, folk driving in front of someone to get them to bang the ass end of vehicle on purpose.

Jamiebridges123
16-06-09, 09:15 PM
I guess fight it? Stick to your guns, the right person always wins. :)

Demonz
16-06-09, 09:19 PM
That sounds odd. Probably someone from behind that has shopped you as a witness to the first car or their own demise (although unlikely if it was just the behind car as they would then be to blame). I find it hard to beleive the car in front got your rego from their rear view mirror - so more than likely they stopped and have a witness from behind you that got your rego - seems the likely scenario???

veefer
16-06-09, 09:21 PM
Hi, go to the website www.pepipo.com (http://www.pepipo.com) it's a biker friendly lawyer company, you can ask their advice and they will give you some guidance and advice on your legal requirements.

All the best. Ian

Dan
16-06-09, 09:24 PM
Hi, go to the website www.pepipo.com (http://www.pepipo.com) it's a biker friendly lawyer company, you can ask their advice and they will give you some guidance and advice on your legal requirements.

All the best. Ian

That's www.pepipoo.com

ThEGr33k
18-06-09, 03:01 PM
Any update on this?

I love the fact now that the news felt it was necessary to report this and practically show people how to do it... I'll bet you will find this happening a lot more. Might be worth driving around with one of those crash camera things...

They record constantly but only record if you press it or it detects a crash. It records 20 seconds either side of the accident, sounds like a cracking idea with this crap going on. Id love to screw them back with that sort of thing. You lose id say he he he

Not sure what it is but google would find it I dont doubt. I saw it on the gadget show.

Cheers

flymo
18-06-09, 03:10 PM
Why would somebody do this? What do they have to gain?

Unless they are going for the mandatory whiplash thing I guess. Seems like a lot of hassle to go through for a couple of grand, you're not likely to be able to pull that scam many times.

RatchetJob
18-06-09, 03:20 PM
Sounds like one of those insurance scam things. Heard a lot of around here, folk driving in front of someone to get them to bang the ass end of vehicle on purpose.

+1

See here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6248515.stm)and here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1687871.stm)

It definitely seems like this is what they were attempting, but failed and put in the claim anyway.

There may be someone else involved pretending to have witnessed the accident.

Get the police to check the identity and accident history of the reporting party. Three non fault rear end accidents in the last year (e.g.) might start alarm bells ringing.

G
18-06-09, 03:57 PM
Nice, this will probably ruin your life for the next couple of months while you try and sort it out.......and probably loose.

Its rediculous and boils my blood.

flymo
18-06-09, 04:00 PM
if there was no collision though, I cant see any blame being apportioned to a vehicle following. The entire scam relies on a collision and usually a back end one.

Stingo
18-06-09, 08:36 PM
if there was no collision though, I cant see any blame being apportioned to a vehicle following. The entire scam relies on a collision and usually a back end one.

It might be that they have a 'witness' who just happened to be driving nearby and is prepared to say 'I saw everything m'lud'. :toss:ers.

-Ralph-
18-06-09, 10:37 PM
Very similar has happened to me, driving without due care NIP recieved on Friday. I'm hoping it's 14 day time barred at the "incident" (!) happened in April and as far as we can tell we haven't received another, but I'm still ****ed off and feel like proving innocence rather than get off on a technicality, I won't bother of course if the 14 day rule can sort it, really busy right now, but plan to talk to a solicitor on Monday.

The so called "incident" where it is alleged that I am supposed to have committed an offence, was that a school crossing patrol walked out in front of me from behind a row of parked cars, on a left hand bend with kids already in tow, he didn't make them wait until he was in the road with his sign up, and didn't so much as look in my direction until I was mid-emergency stop at which point he filled his trousers. I slammed on the anchors and stopped in time within about 30 feet, so exactly what I could possibly be guilty of beats me. I should be given a medal for driving with exceptional care and attention.

I think the lollipop man has realised he screwed up, put the kids in danger, so he's decided to phone the police and throw some mud at me in fear of getting in trouble himself.

Lets stay in touch by PM and share solicitors advice and progress.

-Ralph-
18-06-09, 10:39 PM
It might be that they have a 'witness' who just happened to be driving nearby and is prepared to say 'I saw everything m'lud'. :toss:ers.

Thats what worries me, a parent who talks to the lollipop man every day and is mates with him, actually only turned round in time to see me doing an emergency stop, but has listened to the lollipop mans version of events and given a supporting statement.

sv_rory
18-06-09, 11:06 PM
I had a situation like this a couple of years ago, one morning just b4 xmas i got a letter from a solicitor saying that I had hit a taxi and I was to pay I think around £1800 for damage then loss of earning for the taxi driver and storage on his car whilst the dispute was going on.

No matter how much i tried to sort this I wasnt getting anywhere then out of pot luck I saw the taxi drive past my house doing a drop. We followed him for a few miles filming him working then reported him to the council where he further admitted there was no crash.

I live in Milton Keynes and so does this particular guy, it was strange how this estimate cfor the damage came all the way from somerset !

Its not an easy situation and I understand exactly how you may be feeling, I would try and get some more details but wouldnt worry as they cant prosecute without hard cast evidence that you have done something wrong. I would take pictures of your vehicle with the newspaper for the day showing that there is no damage and they will see the date on the paper. I did that and the solicitors accepted that fine.

rusty76
19-06-09, 04:43 PM
Nice, this will probably ruin your life for the next couple of months while you try and sort it out.......and probably loose.

Its rediculous and boils my blood.

Jeez G, are you trying to cheer me up mate

rusty76
19-06-09, 04:45 PM
I've responded to the NIP & spoken to my insurance company. I just have to wait and see what happens now

G
19-06-09, 05:30 PM
Jeez G, are you trying to cheer me up mate


I have been there done that, its horrible and I feel for you.

Jamiebridges123
19-06-09, 07:08 PM
I had a situation like this a couple of years ago, one morning just b4 xmas i got a letter from a solicitor saying that I had hit a taxi and I was to pay I think around £1800 for damage then loss of earning for the taxi driver and storage on his car whilst the dispute was going on.

No matter how much i tried to sort this I wasnt getting anywhere then out of pot luck I saw the taxi drive past my house doing a drop. We followed him for a few miles filming him working then reported him to the council where he further admitted there was no crash.

I live in Milton Keynes and so does this particular guy, it was strange how this estimate cfor the damage came all the way from somerset !

Its not an easy situation and I understand exactly how you may be feeling, I would try and get some more details but wouldnt worry as they cant prosecute without hard cast evidence that you have done something wrong. I would take pictures of your vehicle with the newspaper for the day showing that there is no damage and they will see the date on the paper. I did that and the solicitors accepted that fine.

What a great story, I bet you felt like a right proper detective. :D

rusty76
19-06-09, 07:43 PM
I have been there done that, its horrible and I feel for you.

thanks mate, I'm trying to keep a stiff upper lip about the whole thing

RatchetJob
19-06-09, 08:39 PM
thanks mate, I'm trying to keep a stiff upper lip about the whole thing

You'll be fine mate. Make sure you stick to your version of events. Mention that you suspect that this may be a crash for cash scam and that no actual crash ever happened.

The lack of physical evidence and independant witnesses should see you clear.

Have you spoken to the investigating officer directly? A calm honest sit down chat might clear this up right away.

sunshine
19-06-09, 08:57 PM
what did you say that guys reg. was i know a guy that will make him reconsider his statement :) if they try to force the blame onto you put a complain about the investigating officer in, normally stops the case until the problem is resolved or changes investigating officer and you have a second chance to get your story heard.

You think this is bad, i get hit up the **** in a hit and run then get told im going to be done for wasting police time?!?!?! im sorry a bend rear subframe isnt enough to proove i was in an accident? or maybe the plate that doesnt break in a drop has some shiny blue paint on it when i picked it up from a 100yds down the road?

Thanks to the uk's finest police forces keeping the honest people for this country safe and locking up the crimals

EssexDave
20-06-09, 03:19 AM
All motor claim departments will have a claims validation team to check the authenticity of such claims that seem a bit dodgy. Tell your insurance company that you don't believe any accident has occured, it happens all the time, we get loads.

Theft is a very common one for a claim, eg you report a vehicle stolen and really it wasn't.

However, they do have investigators who are employed to stop these things, remeber your insurance company is on your side, they don't want to pay out.

Edit:
What ever happened to having to prove guilt rather than assume it anyway?
I'd also like to add, that whatever happens, stick to it, and ensure you are 100% honest, and stick to the same version of events everytime, otherwise they will get you on that.

rusty76
04-07-09, 08:53 PM
some good news; I've received a letter from the police saying no action will be taken against me.

I still have the insurance stuff to deal with but they've sent an independent engineer to inspect my car who's confirmed it's not been in a accident, so I'm hoping this is also cleared up asap.

Thanks to those who replied with advice and support, much appreciated. To share my experience, the peipoo (probably wrong spelling) site is very informative (espec the forum) but I'm not sure how much should be taken as cast iron. I've nothing to hide so responded to all letters as requested while several aspects of peipoo advise a different tact. I took advice from my insurance company and also consulted with my bro-in-law who's plod.

The system for dealing with these things definately has flaws (out-of-the-blue very formal letter saying they intend to prosecute you for dangerous driving!?!) but I'm glad to report there's still real people in the system with reason and common sense who see through these shams.

dawn07
04-07-09, 09:36 PM
Thats sh***. You did nothing wrong! In fact you rode very well!
Glad things have 'blown over'. Keep the chin up petal!
Dx

Lozzo
04-07-09, 10:26 PM
Are they prosecuting the other driver for attempted fraud or wasting police time? They bloody ought to.

When I stuffed my last SV under a Honda Accord rear bumper the guy didn't even know I'd hit him and he helped pick the bike up. He was driving alone as well.

Two weeks later I heard from his solicitor asking me to make a statement regarding the incident as he and his aged mother have suffered whiplash. My response was along the lines of "tell your client to go fornicate with himself, and while you're at it just remind him how serious insurance fraud is nowadays". I contacted the police and said what had happebned and pointed out that the stretch of road where I had the accident was swarming with CCTV. The police must have checked it out and discovered that he was alone and that the accident was so minor that whiplash was impossible, and eventually charged the guy with fraud. My insurance company also refused to pay up for the minimal damage I'd caused as well.

flymo
04-07-09, 11:09 PM
Just an alternative experience to bear in mind...

I was driving my van a few years ago to collect a huge Christmas tree (another story for another time:-) ) and my wife was driving our car following me, my son in the baby seat of the car was 6 months old at the time.

We were stopped at some traffic lights on red when some daft cow in a new shape mini approached from behind and crashed into our car. After the obvious discussion and exchange of details she left and we hung around to let my wife settle her nerves. She had seen my wife in near perfect condition although pretty annoyed obviously.

10 minutes later and she couldnt drive, we had to call an ambulance. It turned out to be a genuine case of whiplash that went on to cause months of pretty stressful pain and inconvenience for the entire family, regularly hospital visits, physio etc etc.

The other driver complained that we were taking the pi$$ and had no signs of whiplash at the time. All I can say is that it genuinely occured and it took a good 10 or 15 minutes to even show up.

rusty76
09-09-09, 12:03 AM
I've finally received confirmation that my 'claimant' has been told to go forth and whistle by the insurance companies.

It's a relief that I've been exonerated and retain my no claims etc, but at the same time it's frustrating that I've spent significant time on this and what will be the consequence to my 'claimant'?, absolutely fook all...

timwilky
09-09-09, 07:43 AM
good result, but annoying that some take the P like this

Dave20046
09-09-09, 07:49 AM
Glad it's working out for you. The amount things like this can stress you is silly. I'm still waiting on my money from an accident almost 2 years ago because the nob who took me out (after admitting it was his fault and offering to pay out of insurance until he saw the bill) decided to ignore all insurance communication for almost a year then claimed it wasn't his fault and that I was speeding. To top it off the solicitor lost the number for the witness! grrr
Anyway glad you can have it off your mind now :)

maviczap
09-09-09, 08:12 AM
good result, but annoying that some take the P like this

Thanks in no doubt to the litigation culture that we've grown accustomed too these days.

I have no problem with genuine claims, but our insurance premiums are increased because of fraud by everyday joe's wanting cash for free or a new Tv :nomore:

Owenski
09-09-09, 09:03 AM
good news there rusty, nice one.

Jayneflakes
09-09-09, 09:53 AM
Good news for you Rusty. Hope the other driver finds a lamp post to rest his car against.

blue curvy jester
09-09-09, 10:10 AM
Just an alternative experience to bear in mind...

I was driving my van a few years ago to collect a huge Christmas tree (another story for another time:-) ) and my wife was driving our car following me, my son in the baby seat of the car was 6 months old at the time.

We were stopped at some traffic lights on red when some daft cow in a new shape mini approached from behind and crashed into our car. After the obvious discussion and exchange of details she left and we hung around to let my wife settle her nerves. She had seen my wife in near perfect condition although pretty annoyed obviously.

10 minutes later and she couldnt drive, we had to call an ambulance. It turned out to be a genuine case of whiplash that went on to cause months of pretty stressful pain and inconvenience for the entire family, regularly hospital visits, physio etc etc.

The other driver complained that we were taking the pi$$ and had no signs of whiplash at the time. All I can say is that it genuinely occured and it took a good 10 or 15 minutes to even show up.


real whiplash very rarely appers stratight away, if someone gets out and says my neck hearts its probaly ok ( yes i know that sounds odd but its true i tells ya)

PsychoCannon
09-09-09, 04:18 PM
No come back! good grief no wonder people try it on.
I had two instances of this, once with the Girlfriend on the back in Milton Keynes.

We were driving on a NSL dual carriage way when me and the GF noticed a perfect bike shaped dent in the center rear of the car in front that was in the left lane (we were in the right about to over take).
As we are about to pass she swerves into our lane and slams the anchors on (we are the only two vehicles on a straight stretch of road).
Luckily as we had both been paying particular attention to her I easily swerved round but was more than a little furious as my Girlfriend at the time wasn't a small girl (about 20 stone) and would of been very VERY badly hurt in a 70MPH off as would I.

Never heard any more of it but I swear to god if she had stopped I may well of commited murder.

The 2nd is recent and I'm fairly sure it's an administritive error but I've not heard anything back since I contested it either way.
Got a letter saying Co-Op insurance had a client who's car was hit by a car I was driving and held me at fault and wanted my details.
Given I've never driving a car and don't have a licence and wasn't involved in any crash naturally I complained :)
I am claiming against a Co-Op insured driver who hit ME as it happens, so I assume it was a mix up =p

Glad yours worked out OK!
And I really do think that people who try this should be done for not just fruad by assault and criminal damage, in the case of cars against bikes, especially at any speed (>30) they should be done for attempted murder as well! imho, especially when you have a pillion!