Originally Posted by
macstheman
I'm sorry to raise this issue whilst the season is still in progress but last Thursday we had parked our car legally adjacent to the footpath where we walk the dogs. We have parked in the same place for more than ten years without any issues and one or two other dog owners park there whom we often chat to. This was 3.30 in the afternoon and children and mums were also there on the way home from school. I had switched the engine off, my wife was half way out of the car (she sits there with the dogs and had just released their harnesses). I had opened my door and had turned to get out (it takes me a second or two longer due to arthritis etc) when, for some reason (instinct maybe), I saw this vehicle bearing down on us at some speed! This gave me a split second to brace myself before the inevitable impact took place. Out car was pushed back about seven yards before coming too rest, .unfortunately my wife was thrown out of the car but with her leg trapped causing her to be dragged backwards with the car!! The other vehicle spun round and ended up on its side!
We were attended by seven police vehicles plus an unmarked police car, two ambulances, paramedic, two fire engines and a film crew. The road had to be closed both ways. We had nasty injuries but not serious which was very fortunate. My wife was the most badly hurt with multiple bruising, grazing all over and one leg with a massive hemotoma. We stayed in hospital until midnight. The dogs bolted but my son managed to find them. They both had minor injuries to the face. The other driver suffered minor injuries and didn't need to attend hospital.
Our car is a write off and we are in the process of sorting out insurance, underwriters, a courtesy car and a personal claim and we want to retrieve personal items from the car. Do you get any support, sympathy or help from these people, no ducking way! They are about as helpful as an angry wasp! Under normal circumstances one exchanges details with the other driver but that was, obviously, impossible. What do they all say 'can't progress without the other drivers details, ask the police for the info'. What do the police say 'can't give personal details under data protection'! Can we speak to the arresting officer? Yes, but it's his days off! WTF.
So, now we are without a car and have to rely on my son but he's away with work. We can't get the courtesy car, our belongings, the insurance claim can't progress and we are supposed to be the victims. Joke!! We were sympathetic towards the other driver believing there was a genuine reason for the accident. Maybe mechanical failure or a health issue but no, the driver was FIVE TIMES over the legal limit! This at 3-30 in the frigging afternoon!
So, here we are four days after the accident, still in pain, my wife basically immobile, no car, no sign of any progress and pissed off! Ducking drink drivers! Gggrrrrrrrrr......
Sorry!