Rear-ended on hard shoulder of N7

dudara

I was driving to work this morning southbound on the N7 between junctions 5 and 6 when I noticed that the engine temperature light had suddenly skyrocketed. I pulled over to the hard shoulder, turned on hazards and decided to ring roadside assist.

No probs - after about half an hour (circa 9.30am), the tow man rang to ask where I was exactly as he was nearby. While speaking to him on the phone, I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a blue Micra coming straight at me. I could see the whites of the old man's eyes as he ploughed into the back of my car.

Thankfully I'm fine, very shook up, but fine. The old man was OK, some cut hands but he appeared fine also. The tow truck arrived literally a minute after the crash and we got the Gardai on the scene. Turns out the old man was 81! He could barely string a sentence together and the tow truck man even thought that he might have drink on him.

Eventually it turned out that he had been driving in the left-hand lane, felt pressurised by a lorry behind him and moved onto the hard shoulder (of a 3 lane road). End result - ploughed into me.

Best of all - guess who his insurer is? Quinn Direct! WTF! Do they only insure the very young and the very old? The dangerous and the doddery?

My lovely car - it's not worth much, but I love it - a 1997 318 IS Coupe. It's quite possible that the damage will mean that it will be an economic write-off.



I don't even feel cross at the old man - he clearly shouldn't have been on the road, but that's a moot point now. Gah!!

bazzachazza

Oh jez sorry to hear that.

bazzachazza

and you can still see the hazard lights are on in that photo.

smash

sorry to see, deffo a write off. Good luck trying to get the value of it out of Quinn!

Drummerboy08

Sorry to hear that.

Unfortunately, looking at the picture suggests to me that its a write off. Possible bent chassis, buckled floor pan, new bumper, two new wings, etc etc.

At least you dont have to worry about the over-heating issue....:o

Mr Benevolent

It's quite possible that the damage will mean that it will be an economic write-off.

Looks like it Sorry to hear about the crash, glad you that the other driver are ok.

Kersh

Holy Fk, that was a close one, and a disgrace at that too. Lucky lucky man.

The girl/old driver bashing thread is here....:pac::pac::pac:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055617730

dudara

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Unfortunately, looking at the picture suggests to me that its a write off. Possible bent chassis, buckled floor pan, new bumper, two new wings, etc etc.

Yup, it doesn't look terribly bad in photo but that is a very nasty fold in the side panel, and given that it's a rear wheel drive car, there could be safety/chassis etc issues.

I'm kind of resigned to the fact that it may be the end of a beautiful relationship.

At least you dont have to worry about the over-heating issue....:o

At least

Seriously, I know that stopping on the hard shoulder is always risky, but I was pulled in, hazards on, and in the middle of a long straight stretch. And yet this old man still manages to aim right for me. What are the odds?

My insurance company (AXA) have said that they could pay out to me and that they would then recover the money from Quinn. I haven't had a chance to speak to the handler yet - but would doing this affect my NCB?

Alun

Sorry to hear that, you were lucky not to have got hurt.

I was always taught that the first rule of breaking down on a motorway (or dual carriagway) is to get everyone out of the car and move as far away from it as is possible. I don't know about here, but in the UK there are several accidents of this sort every year, some fatal.

bazzachazza

No as long as they recover whatever they pay out to you. IIRC. But make sure its clearly written down that they accept it wasn't your fault.

Although having said that its probably best to avoid your own insurance company for the claim if you can afford to.

PaddyFagan

dudara wrote: »

My insurance company (AXA) have said that they could pay out to me and that they would then recover the money from Quinn. I haven't had a chance to speak to the handler yet - but would doing this affect my NCB?

Never had to do this, but came close before - they sumary seemed to be that it would be flagged on your policy until they recover the money (from Quinn in this case) - it shouldn't effect your renewal with your current insurer, but would probably prevent you moving insurer. Is your renewal up soon?

If it was me I'd go for it - but it depends on how stuck you are for a car....

Paddy

bazzachazza

Alun wrote: »

Sorry to hear that, you were lucky not to have got hurt.

I was always taught that the first rule of breaking down on a motorway (or dual carriagway) is to get everyone out of the car and move as far away from it as is possible. I don't know about here, but in the UK there are several accidents of this sort every year, some fatal.

Yes they say to get out and stand behind the crash barrier or up the embankment. In Ireland you would be lucky if there was a crash barrier.

peasant

Alun wrote: »

I was always taught that the first rule of breaking down on a motorway (or dual carriagway) is to get everyone out of the car and move as far away from it as is possible.

Yepp, definetly something to keep in mind ...get behind the barrier and out of the way if it ever happens to you

Run_to_da_hills

Quinn are fast to cough up and might offer you the written off car back for buttons. Buy another one and keep the crashed one for spares. :P

dudara

Understandably enough, I'm not keen on dealing with Quinn myself. (As a funny aside, when I was looking for insurance for this car, they quoted me €2,500 while everyone else was in the region of €500-700). Yet they'll insure the auld maneen who barrelled into me?

It would be ideal if the insurance company could handle it, though that is probably pie-in-the-sky talk. I'll get in touch with the handler when I have a chance and talk to him.

Thanks everyone - I need to vent and maybe mourn my loss.

Mr Benevolent

Alun wrote: »

I was always taught that the first rule of breaking down on a motorway (or dual carriagway) is to get everyone out of the car and move as far away from it as is possible.

Hmm, never thought about that. Good advice.

dudara

Alun wrote: »

Sorry to hear that, you were lucky not to have got hurt.

I was always taught that the first rule of breaking down on a motorway (or dual carriagway) is to get everyone out of the car and move as far away from it as is possible. I don't know about here, but in the UK there are several accidents of this sort every year, some fatal.

Definitely a lesson learned there. Get far away from the car if this ever happens again. Could have been much worse if it had been an artic instead of a micra.

BTW - I'm never driving a Micra - not even for 5 minutes. His car had crumpled up like an accordion

Kersh

I take it you left your belt on? I would have got out, had a look under the bonnet and hopped back in, and probably not put it on again :eek: . Or god forbid, have been standing at the front of it. It doesnt bear thinking about.

What did the Gardai say?

kayos

Nasty thing to happen but lucky no one was hurt.

bazzachazza wrote: »

Yes they say to get out and stand behind the crash barrier or up the embankment. In Ireland you would be lucky if there was a crash barrier.

You are luck to have a hard shoulder that will be wide enough for a car here (look at the ennis bypass ffs) never mind a crash barrier!

cormie

Ouch, just lucky it wasn't the truck :eek:

In the UK there seems to be barriers on the sides of each road which I always see people standing behind. Lucky you're ok but it could have been a lot worse

EPM

Sorry to see that OP. If you need a car quickly and are not renewing your policy too soon it could be easier to let AXA handle the lot for you. Very lucky you weren't changing a tyre or something

furtzy

dudara wrote: »

My insurance company (AXA) have said that they could pay out to me and that they would then recover the money from Quinn. I haven't had a chance to speak to the handler yet - but would doing this affect my NCB?

Wouldn't do this. I've had 3 of this type of accident over the years none of which were my fault and always just informed my insurance company and pursued the other. You do not want any record of a claim against your own insurance as this can get messy if you move companies later on

Quinn should pay out fairly quickly as its a clear cut case, relatively low value car and to avoid further claims.

They will only give the book value of the car though

dudara

The impact did knock me forward - but I had my belt on. Dunno if there will be whiplash but I am feeling OK so far. I had seen him coming so it wasn't entirely unexpected and I'm thankful how well my car took the impact.

Gardai didn't really say anything - other than they will make a report to the insurance companies if needed.I'd say that it was fairly clear to everyone what had happened.

Very lucky you weren't changing a tyre or something

Terrifying thought - could quite easily happen.

DanR

Can I just add that you should NEVER stop on the hard shoulder unless you're car cannot move!

Please wait until the next junction if you can for your own sake.

Lucky to get away with this accident without being injured.

Seth Brundle

Firstly, be glad that you or grandad weren't badly inhured! Do the lotto tonight!
I would also get checked out by a doctor just in case! I'm still sore from an accident last year!

dudara wrote: »

My lovely car - it's not worth much, but I love it - a 1997 318 IS Coupe. It's quite possible that the damage will mean that it will be an economic write-off.

My 97 E39 was less damaged than that last year and it too was deemed an economic write off (since repaired) by Quinn. They made a few paltry offers (almost insulting). The car was damaged a few days before I was due an NCT. By the time the assessor saw it, the cert had expired and he down-valued the car as a result!
Anyhow, I went onto carzone and pulled out loads of ads for comparable cars (all had lower specs than mine and were looking for an unrealistic amount). Anyhow, I showed these to Quinn and they made a half decent offer (still below what I reckoned it was worth).

dudara wrote: »

My insurance company (AXA) have said that they could pay out to me and that they would then recover the money from Quinn. I haven't had a chance to speak to the handler yet - but would doing this affect my NCB?

If you claim from your insurer then you temporarily lose your NCB AFAIK and it isn't restored until they claim back from Quinn - double check this but if it were me I wouldn't go this route!

peasant wrote: »

Yepp, definetly something to keep in mind ...get behind the barrier and out of the way if it ever happens to you

Also bear in mind that the armco barriers will move if hit so don't stand directly behind them!

Alun

dudara wrote: »

BTW - I'm never driving a Micra - not even for 5 minutes. His car had crumpled up like an accordion

Not the point ... the driver survived intact didn't he? Just shows the crumple zones worked as they should to absorb the impact.

dudara

Alun wrote: »

Not the point ... the driver survived intact didn't he? Just shows the crumple zones worked as they should to absorb the impact.

True - I did think that when I looked at his car. I would still have a personal preference to be in something heavier and more solid.

bazzachazza

I have thought that everyday from when I sold my cinquecento;)

Yakult

Glad your ok man, could have been worse.

I gonna think twice about pulling into the hard shoulder from now on.

tbh

FWIW, if the same ever happened to me, the best I could hope for would be the attitude towards it you're displaying. respect. Sorry to hear of it, but to answer your "what are the odds" question, seems to me like about evens

sorry again, glad you're ok.

WillieCocker

Ouch.
Glad your ok Dara.
Just goes to show the most dangerous part of most roads IS the hard shoulder.:(

thebiglad

Notifying your insurer is correct and they will definitely recover from Quinn so your NCB will be unaffected.

However you will have to pay your policy excess (in case of write off it will be deducted from settlement) and you will have to recover that yourself from Quinn.

For all their faults (of which there are many!) Quinn like to settle claims quickly, it is likely that they will have one of the Regional Claim Managers contact you to try and agree a settlement - they are targeted to do this within 2 hours (presuming of course they have been notified and have your details.

I suggest to call them and put them on notice of your claim - you will then definitely get a call out.

Prior to settlement you need to know the following - settlement agreed with RCM will be full and final (this is not enforceable so sign their forms).

Make sure you get adequate value for the car, towing, storage etc - dealing direct with Quinn they will leave you the wreck to sell - the valuation will constitute part of your claim.

Also keep in mind it will take 2-4 weeks at least until you have a replacement car - how will you get to work - make sure Quinn will cover those 'reasonable' costs - perhaps €500 - €1,000 in addition to the claim to cover the inconvenience - see how you get on with negotiation.

Finally the accident was only 8 hours ago - take a night's sleep before stating you are not injured - I work for Insurer and would never advocate exagerating or creating injury but, be sure that symptoms may not be apparent for 24 hours.

Good luck with Quinn.

kingtut

Hard luck Dudara, glad to hear you are ok, that is the main thing!

Cars are replaceable, people as nice as you are not

maidhc

thebiglad wrote: »

Notifying your insurer is correct and they will definitely recover from Quinn so your NCB will be unaffected.

However you will have to pay your policy excess (in case of write off it will be deducted from settlement) and you will have to recover that yourself from Quinn.

For all their faults (of which there are many!) Quinn like to settle claims quickly, it is likely that they will have one of the Regional Claim Managers contact you to try and agree a settlement - they are targeted to do this within 2 hours (presuming of course they have been notified and have your details.

I suggest to call them and put them on notice of your claim - you will then definitely get a call out.

Prior to settlement you need to know the following - settlement agreed with RCM will be full and final (this is not enforceable so sign their forms).

Make sure you get adequate value for the car, towing, storage etc - dealing direct with Quinn they will leave you the wreck to sell - the valuation will constitute part of your claim.

Also keep in mind it will take 2-4 weeks at least until you have a replacement car - how will you get to work - make sure Quinn will cover those 'reasonable' costs - perhaps €500 - €1,000 in addition to the claim to cover the inconvenience - see how you get on with negotiation.

Finally the accident was only 8 hours ago - take a night's sleep before stating you are not injured - I work for Insurer and would never advocate exagerating or creating injury but, be sure that symptoms may not be apparent for 24 hours.

Good luck with Quinn.

I'd agree with all of the above. I would be inclined to deal direct with Quinn as well. Again, I also agree that quinn are good to settle, but as the above poster said make sure you don't do anything to prejudice your right to claim for personal injuries.... you have the whole of 2 years before you run out of time to do this. All you have to do is explain you want to settle the car and material damage side of the claim.

Even quinn will accept your enttitlement to do this!

rgunning

Dunno if anyone has mentioned it yet, but in my mind, but would it be advisable not to mention to the insurance company the fact that yor engine temp was rocketing? It might give them grounds from reducing the valuation of the car? Would they be that petty?

dudara

rgunning wrote: »

Dunno if anyone has mentioned it yet, but in my mind, but would it be advisable not to mention to the insurance company the fact that yor engine temp was rocketing? It might give them grounds from reducing the valuation of the car? Would they be that petty?

That had crossed my mind, but roadside assist had already been called, so it's common knowledge. I'll just have to argue that one if/when it comes up.

Mena

It's great to see you walked away from that, it could have been much nastier had circumstances been a little different. There's been great advice on here from people too!

I'll add to the hard-shoulder bit: I'd never stand there, ever! I've seen far too many accidents and far too many fatalities in VERY similar circumstances. Granted, not in Ireland, but it can and does happen.

It's sad about the car though, I know how attached we can become

bbam

dudara wrote: »

BTW - I'm never driving a Micra - not even for 5 minutes. His car had crumpled up like an accordion

I've been having same thoughts since a transit blind-sided me at a junction 8 weeks ago.. My Passat is a right-off, I can't imagine how I'd have faired if I was in a Micra... Transit was totaled too..

Also... I wouldnt claim of my insurance for the value of my car, I'm persuing FBD who to be honest were a pain in the begining but offered to settle for the car in about 4 weeks.

RentDayBlues

Deal with Quinn direct - they will want to settle ASAP and I have to say are pretty good when it comes to dealing with third parties.

Pity about the car if it does have to be written off but at least you are safe. And in regards to the personal injury take your time on this, I had an accident 2 months ago and although I was the person behind I am still in pain with my neck and I felt fine after the accident for about a week!

dudara

RentDayBlues wrote: »

Pity about the car if it does have to be written off but at least you are safe. And in regards to the personal injury take your time on this, I had an accident 2 months ago and although I was the person behind I am still in pain with my neck and I felt fine after the accident for about a week!

Thanks - I am kind of worried about my eye. I had surgery last year to repair a detached retina, and I will get it checked out following this. I was out of action for one month last year because of the surgery so I've no desire to repeat that again.

Carawaystick

In France and Spain you must have a hi-vis vest in the car cabin and wear it before getting out of the car and you must carry a breakdown triangle and use it- it needs to be at least as far behind the car in metres as the speed limit in km/h probably more. I'd do this before doing anything else.

I'd also deal with the insurance co of the other party before losing your own no -claims bonus.

snowman707

sorry for both, but at least you both walked.

looks like he got you on the left hand corner & from the photo appears like he had space pass inside you as you appear to be about 4 feet from the grass verge,

BTW all our vehicles carry a warning triangle & the drivers are instructed to place this on the ground before doing anything else.

Also on the N7 today just south of Nenagh I saw a car which was tail gating a truck have a near miss with a car pulled over while the lady driver was on the mobile phone.

L1011

Unfortunately I'd think an elderly driver that veers in to the H/S because they're intimidated is unlikely to have noticed a warning triangle - but there are many, many other circumstances where they are literally a lifesaver. Starting to notice they're getting fitted to more cars by default now.

bazzachazza

Its more worry some that he didn't even notice a big car with flashing lights.

cyclopath2001

bazzachazza wrote: »

Its more worry some that he didn't even notice a big car with flashing lights.

And that it's illegal to drive on the hard shoulder as it's reserved for emergencies just as experienced by the OP.

dudara

MYOB wrote: »

Unfortunately I'd think an elderly driver that veers in to the H/S because they're intimidated is unlikely to have noticed a warning triangle

Agreed - I think that this elderly guy would have gone straight over anything of the sort

but there are many, many other circumstances where they are literally a lifesaver. Starting to notice they're getting fitted to more cars by default now.

If my car had had a warning triangle, it would have been out on the road - no doubt about it. Anything that you can do to increase your visibility is a good idea.

biggus

With the potential to claim for back injuries you might find Quinn very generous when it comes to settling for the car

maidhc

rgunning wrote: »

Dunno if anyone has mentioned it yet, but in my mind, but would it be advisable not to mention to the insurance company the fact that yor engine temp was rocketing? It might give them grounds from reducing the valuation of the car? Would they be that petty?

Unfortunately the insurance company will have a particular figure in mind for a 1997 BMW. It won't be a high one. You will be insulted.

Also they will stick doggedly to their valuation, and if it causes you to sue for an injury which you would otherwise have suffered with and get far more in the mix they, for some reason won't seem to care. Insurance companies are quite fascinating in a weird way.

slimjimmc

cyclopath2001 wrote: »

And that it's illegal to drive on the hard shoulder as it's reserved for emergencies just as experienced by the OP.

It is indeed 100% illegal, but only on motorways. On non-motorways (like the N7 where the OP was hit) you're allowed to temporaily move into the hard shoulder when safe to allow faster traffic pass, although it probably would be illegal to stay there.


OP sorry to hear about your accident. With the number of cars I see daily stopped on the N7 & M7 I'm surprised we haven't heard of more. I think your saving grace here was the fact it was an 80+ yr old that hit you, he was probably going at a lower speed than younger driver would have been.

ottostreet

slimjimmc wrote: »

It is indeed 100% illegal, but only on motorways. On non-motorways (like the N7 where the OP was hit) you're allowed to temporaily move into the hard shoulder when safe to allow faster traffic pass, although it probably would be illegal to stay there.


OP sorry to hear about your accident. With the number of cars I see daily stopped on the N7 & M7 I'm surprised we haven't heard of more. I think your saving grace here was the fact it was an 80+ yr old that hit you, he was probably going at a lower speed than younger driver would have been.

would a younger driver have been in the same position, considering they would have done their test far more recently, and probably wouldnt have been intimidated?

Zonda999

ottostreet wrote: »

would a younger driver have been in the same position, considering they would have done their test far more recently, and probably wouldnt have been intimidated?

I think so too. Whats more, a young person probably would have seen you ahead and stopped/re-entered the proper lane