I hit a hedge in my work van and it's been reported to the police - what will happen next? | Ask Honest John

I hit a hedge in my work van and it's been reported to the police - what will happen next?

I was returning home in my work vehicle and swerved to avoid a cat, hitting a hedge. Damage to the hedge appeared minimal and there didn't appear to be anyone about so I continued on my journey. The home owner caught up with me half a mile down the road and we swapped details and I remained vague about liability as this was something I was aware to do. He said his wife had reported the incident to the police. After getting home I found part of the bumper had loosened several inches at one side and there was damage to the underside of the vehicle by the near front side tyre. I sent pictures of the vehicle and the home owner's details to my work. I learned that a police incident number was raised at a disciplinary meeting at work the following day and was also advised I'd knocked into a street sign built within the hedge. What should I expect to happen next?

Asked on 3 September 2018 by Stephen

Answered by Honest John

It is an offence to leave the scene of an incident without leaving details, or if you cannot, by reporting to the police. As you have swapped details half a mile down the road, you have satisfied your lawful obligation. If there was no personal injury, the police will generally pay little interest unless the damage was significant.

You are certainly liable for the damage to their property and your company is vicariously liable for your actions while you are in the van. With the van being damaged, they may as well get it repaired as part of the insurance claim. What happens next is down to your employer's disciplinary procedures. It may well be the police wish to take action against you for leaving the scene but it does sound doubtful based on the circumstances.

Tags: insurance claims work vehicles police investigation

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