Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 15:16:20 -0800
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: got hit by a front end loader
In-Reply-To: <f700b5ac0901011429mbcc999amfcc33cb76844fe1e@mail.gmail.com>
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I was driving along Willingdon Road, Saturday the 20th of December,
towards West Saanich (heading nominally west), behind 2 other cars
(sedans) at approx. 9.00 pm. It was snowing heavily, and windy. I was
maintaining a safe distance behind the car ahead of me. I slowed down
behind the last car as we approached the intersection. I stopped then
moved forward as the other cars moved on. The first car in line
turned left on to West Saanich, followed quickly by the second car in
line. I remember wondering if the car ahead of me had snow tires, I
could see the rear tires clearly. I looked at the car as it moved
forward, the car resembled a late 80’s Toyota Celica. I looked at the
cars, turning left (heading south on West Saanich) and I could see
the last car’s headlight beam in the snow. I did not see any other
lights. I moved from the stop sign, starting to make a left hand turn
when I felt and heard a crash and impact. The next thing I can
remember is driving the car forward off the road, and beside and to
the right of a telephone pole. I turned my car’s ignition off and got
out. Then I saw the front end loader, positioned approximately in the
middle of the intersection. The front end loader driver asked if I
was ok, and I said yes.
I said I did not see him coming along the road. He asked if he should
call the police, I said yes. He said he had to be at the Swartz Bay
ferry terminal. I think he repeated that again later. I looked at the
damage to my car. I went back into my car and sat down. I turned on
the ignition and heater fan. I waited for the police. I turned on my
hazard lights.
The police arrived and took individual statements. My statement was
recorded on a small hand held recorder. During the process of the
interview, and I don’t know if this was recorded, the officer in
charge told me that in her opinion there is no such thing as an
accident. I was issued with a ticket, for failure to yield at a stop
sign, and was informed how to contest the ticket if I so wished but
was advised that the driver of the front end loader was willing to go
to court to give evidence. I was asked by the police what kind of
tires I had on my car, I replied that I had studded Nokian
Hakkapelitta tires on the drive wheels.
After the interview with the police, the officer in charge asked if
my car was drivable and if I could move my car from its position
which was off the road. I said I thought I could, and indeed I could,
I then drove the short distance home. The police accident failed to
note the damage done to the front of my car. I noticed that when I
got home. I must have been spinned around by the impact and struck
the front end loader a second time with the front of my car.
The ticket issued to me incorrectly described my van as a Eurovan.
The front end loader hitting me was truly a surprise, I didn't see it
coming. Fault will be decided at some time, liabilities assessed etc.
Alistair
On 1-Jan-09, at 2:29 PM, Andrew Grebneff wrote:
We don't really know anything ABOUT this case.
Please tell us how it happened and the extent of the damage.
It may well be repairable, but if so, you have to watch out for future
rust... as inevitably seam filler will be sprung and paint loosened
inside closed members etc.
Best of luck, whether repairing or replacing!
