Help ! Accident with an smrt taxi!

[jefferondo]

HI guys I need advice on an accident with a smrt taxi.

 

i have already made a police report and what i stated was as i was cycling on the pavement, there was a blind spot in the right side therefore i did not see the taxi approaching. therefore we collided and hit his bumper, which had minor scratches.

 

Today, i received a letter from smrt and the taxi insurance company is making a 2.7k claim against me including repairs and loss of use of taxi etc. pls guys i need advice im only a student and i have not even told my parents about it. im desperate now... what should i do?

Edited November 25, 2014 by jefferondo

[ticks]

Taxi can claim against bicycle?

[crazydj]

Taxi can claim against bicycle?

 

Im shocked as well. Like that i can sue any tom, **** or harry sia. Haha.

[r6ix]

d e l e t e d

Edited November 28, 2014 by r6ix

[chriszzz]

I'm not an expert, but you are legally bound to pay for the damage you caused. However, I think 2.7K is too much for what you described as a minor bump on his bumper, and is probably jacked up by the workshop. I would challenge it.

 

Respraying a car bumper corner is probably a $200-300 job at his favorite taxi workshop. I once accidentally grazed a taxi with my car, causing a small chip of paint to fall off his bumper. I paid him $100 (if I remember correctly) on the spot and that settled it. He probably went home, touched up the bumper with a spray can, and took the rest of the day off.

 

I would call up the taxi driver, and offer him maybe $200 or something along that line. Don't involve the insurance companies and workshops because they will jack the price up.

 

Tell them that you want to have the taxi inspected at a workshop of your choosing so that you can get an estimate of the damage to ensure that they are not cheating you. If they refuse, remind him that you can and will refuse to pay. They'll probably have to go through the hassle of the courts (maybe small claims court) to get you to pay, which is not worth the hassle. Even if they get the judgement, it could be months before you actually pay up. Better for him to take the money and settle it fast.

 

And record down everything he says with your phone's voice recorder, so that he doesn't renege on the agreement. Or better yet, have him sign a form that states the above.

[jefferondo]

thanks all. i have reported it to the police but they told me it is not their place to interfere with 2 parties involved. they suggest that i compensate with smrt saying im a student etc. in any case wouldi need a lawyer?

[y0shimi]

Ok first off, collided as in the taxi was stationary? You did not claim against him for any injuries?

But the claim amount being lesser than 3k you need not really worry as they cannot bring the matter to Court

One thing to note, please do not cycle along pavement. Its illegal. The police can summon you also -.-

Basically IMHO you can choose to ignore the it for now until further notice. They are doing a "try luck" case for now is my guess

 

On the other hand, usually it is cyclist claiming against the taxi. First time I heard they claiming against you. first thing, the claim is not even 10k. they cannot make you a bankrupt. And unlikely there is anything they can seize from you except your bicycle.

 

Lesson learnt. walking, riding, driving etc look around you and be considerate. It would had been worse if you hit onto a kid or baby.

[MR BIKER]

CRAZY stupid life we are living here. i have heard of taxi drivers claiming unable to work because of repair. but this is ridiculous. just tell your parents and hopefully they have money to pay up. then they should cut your allowance. next times bring camera and take picture of the damage and get second opinion of another insurance company. second --- NEVER ADMIT ITS your fault infront of witness especially if they have passenger.

this is one scrupulous taxi driver

[kaiq]

As a cyclist I "buang" into side of a car before, or rather, just scratch his side. I was riding straight at the side of the road, he came from behind and cut into my front then want to turn left and brake his car. I can't brake fast enough cos not enough time, so "hit" his car.

 

He come down and say my fault, I look at him say not my fault, then he just drove off. Dun bother argue if he won't admit it's his fault. In the end we don't even bother exchanging info and just part our ways.

 

Back to here... This really reminds me of the ODEX saga...

 

TS, one way you can try is to use the media and blow the matters up. Just remember to always stress you're a student with no income...

[0401897D]

would like to ask...hw come u exchange particulars...if me bicycle. of not hospitally hurt..just cabut..say nvee bring ic watsoever.

[crazydj]

would like to ask...hw come u exchange particulars...if me bicycle. of not hospitally hurt..just cabut..say nvee bring ic watsoever.

 

He put licence plate on his bicycle!