My 5 got beaten up

[Hammer]

So CheyneX5, were the policed called when this incident happend? Irrespective if you cut him off or not, he's action was criminal - called malicious damage - and he can be criminally charge for that.

[CheyneX5]

i really appreciate all of your help guys, good to know that there are some genuine people out there.

in regards to your comment drifter, i was in the middle of a round about and i stopped to see if the guy was ok coz he went up on the gutter, he was really pissed and before i could get out to talk with him....BAM!! i couldnt drive off because he was at the front of my car and i guess i kind of froze with shock.

with the insurance, i'm a p plater so even if they were to approve it the excess would be alot greater than what i would need to pay for the repairs.

in the end i dont mind paying it, it needed to have an experience like that to save my self from getting too cocky on the road which i can be sometimes

this mx5 center... has it recently opened? it sounds great.

anyone care to share some similar experiences? make me feel a little better

[meanmx]

Hey Cheyne, as others have said sorry to hear about this and it is not your fault at all. As others have said try mx5centre for the spare parts as well. The biggest problem you are going to have though is the paint. It is easy enough to get a red panel but I think I remember you telling me that your car is not the standard red anymore. All up I think the panel will cost you about $100 second hand and if it is the drivers mirror then you can have mine for nothing. I have no idea of the damage on your headlights so can't really comment but I think I have seen whole assemblies for around $150??. If you can paint it yourself you will save a crap load of money if not then you can probably add another $400 for paint. Hope this helps

Ben

[bensale]

this mx5 center... has it recently opened? it sounds great.

It only opened up a few weeks ago. I went and checked it out with 'Fatty' and its probebly perfect for what you need. Enjoy the drive out there tomorrow.

Ben,

[CheyneX5]

ben you do not know how happy i am to hear that, i think my mirror should be fine as it is only the little black joint that is stuffed and dick will fix me up with that for 30 bux, but the side panel i think may need replacing. i can go get some pics if you like but i have no idea of how to post them as viewable

[bensale]

I use a hosting site when I post pictures.

I use either this which is pretty easy to use and to resize. http://www.picoodle.com/

Or this, but its slightly more effort. http://www.webshots.com/

And them you just insert the code.

[CheyneX5]

in this one you can see where the side mirror was knocked off and the large dent in the fender


here is the damage to the lights, they can be lifted higher than norman and have been shifted back and warped slightly so closing the bonnet requires lights to be up

[marcusus]

Sorry to hear mate. Seriously, if this many of us have said approach the police and really push the issue, I think you should. I definitely would do it. Especially since you have the registration number and all. Of course, the guy might deny everything, but the least you can do is try right? If you don't at least try it, it'll be a wasted opportunity, not to mention money down the drain that rightfully shouldn't have to be wasted.

[sliq]

i'll tell you what you should do?

get a police statement done. (at the cop shop)

find his particulars. (from the Police)

get your car fixed. (make sure you have the receipt)

lodge a statement of claim in the small claims division in the local court. pay someone to serve the defendant with the statement of claim.

if he doesn't respond to the s.o.c. in 28 days, file for default judgment.

then the court will send the sherriff round to his house and recoup things that are worth the value of the damage caused to your car.

[marcusus]

your insurance company should cover it. get them to point out where in your policy it states that vandalism is not covered? if they cant do that then they will have to pay i'd say. make sure you read through your policy carefully and keep at them.

if that fails, do what sliq said.

The thing is, if he gets insurance to cover it, won't he still have to pay the excess? Or will it be considered a not at fault claim if they can find the person who's at fault?

[CheyneX5]

i still have to pay the excess, we have already tried everything you guys have said and they wont budge.

[-alex]

thats not cool..
hope everything works out for you, without too much expense

[Benny]

When the guy was in front of the car busting your headlights, you should have run the c#*t over!
Seriously, no jury would convict you for protecting your car.

A couple of broken legs would have taught him a lesson.
Either that, seeing as your car was already damaged, maybe you should have just reversed into his car and then dríven off.

[sliq]

knowing what i would have done, i would have gotten out of my car, let him take a swipe at you.. so you can press charges against him for assault. then sue him for damages to your car, then get victims compensation from being injured and from being scared.

oh yeah, did you know you can press charges for assault for him causing you to feel \"feared\"?

[bensale]

Jeez the pictures are pretty saddening, especially considering otherwise your car looks to be in great condition.

I agree, try and get the guy for everything you can. Go and see some people about taking legal action.

Ben