Hi all,

I would very much like to get some advice on what to do regarding a rear-end collision (at slow speed) that happened to me on my way home today.

I was heading northbound on Epping Road, adjacent to the Epping Tunnel in slow-crawling traffic (right on 4pm) when a green Daewoo ran into the back of me. I had already stopped and possibly the sun was in his eyes because he obviously didn't see my brake lights in time.

At that time we were in the right lane and instead of jumping out of the car straight away (which I should have - but traffic was moving) I worked my way over to the left. So did he, but he kept heading left and shot off down a side street instead. However, I grabbed his rego plate as he did so (scribbling it frantically on my hand!).

Furious at what had happened (him hitting me and typically taking off!) I soon checked the damage, expecting the worst. But there was nothing at all out of place. All the lines and contours are okay. Rear-park sensor okay. And exhaust tip okay (ie not pushed back).

When I got home I had another long look, and in the lip under the rear rego plate area, there is a hairline stress crack about 8cm long. And that's all.

So the question I want to ask is: should I still report the accident (and failure to stop at the scene) of the other guy as I have his details - yet look like a nob for doing so with only the tiniest almost-invisible crack? Should I bother getting a quote for repair and again risk looking like a nob for such a nonevent bit of damage?

I can live with this... but as I have the ball in my court, so to speak, am I legally obligated to report the accident regardless of the outcome?

If it were me I'd be very tempted to report him just because he didn't stop to check the damage with you. That's just plain rude, even if he did see that there was minimal damage.

yeah i would report it to ur insurance company, if he had of stopped its a completely different issue... the fact that he didnt stop to have a look means he deserves to pay it

Report it immediately! If there is a crack in your rear bar, chances are the bar will need to be replaced, then painted - that's an easy $1000 right there, if not more. Ring your insurance company right now and let them know what's happened, then leave the rest up to them. Totally unnacceptable what he's done mate, you don't leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor!

Hmmm, okay. That makes sense. I'll take the case to my insurance company tomorrow and let them decide what to do. I'm lucky I have a leg to stand on by having this guy's rego.
Thanks for the advice.
Side note: is it just me or do all "incidents" these days result in cowardly disappearing acts? I have heard so many other cases like this. But when I started driving (late 80s) I had a few of these rear enders (1 my fault, 1 not my fault) - but both times, both of us pulled over and exchanged details like gentlemen. But these days people are gutless morons who would rather hit and run.

Report the f$&kwit immediately.
Don't let people get away with that ****.

For a start if he had of stopped - from what you've said - you probably would have said "don't worry about it dude" after looking at it initally on the road. But he didn't even give you that chance.

But thats not the point. The point is its a criminal act AND MORE IMPORTANTLY a ****ty thing to do to someone else. I can't stand people like that.

F*&K HIM OVER HARD !

Report it immediately! If there is a crack in your rear bar, chances are the bar will need to be replaced, then painted - that's an easy $1000 right there, if not more.

agreed with plastic cause it bounces back into shape it can hide damage. the reinforcement behind the bar might be bent and the little plastic tabs which hold the bar to it can be broken making it warp or sag later on. so yeah take it to a panel shop to get them to check it out.

Yeah thanks. I just got off the phone with my insurer wherein we started a claim report. I'm booked Monday to check it with their accessor, and tomorrow I'll go to police station to report it.
The lady said their claim needs other driver's name, address, etc, which I obviously did not get - but said police officer may or may not help there, but certainly to try. Cop obviously won't pass those details over to me, but will hopefully forward them to my insurer attached with my claim number. Let's hope so anyway.
I hope these 380 rear bars are stronger than Magna's. Heaps of Magnas I see have ugly nudge/buldge dents in rear bumper.

By law they must stop and give you their name and address. He has just fled the scene of an accident (even if it was only minor). You will need to go to the police and make an official report, they cannot give you this info but they will call the other people and tell them to give you their details. If they don't you can then get them charged by police.

Sorry for the late response.

I've had people run into the back of my car twice, when I was already stationary for some time. They both looked like minor damage. They both damaged the plastic, the impact absorbing foam and mounts. One impact needed a new panel welded in the rear. Both cost over $800 for the insurance company to repair. I was even penalised with higher excess for them hitting me (despite have a rating 1 guarantee)!

I've even seen cars that look fine from the rear after being rear ended, everything in its place, except that the wheel arches have flared out and the tail has dropped.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a reportable offence. The person did you no favours. They should pay for their mistake and learn to grow up and be a responsible member of society. They should be reported whether you claim insurance or not. These are the sort of lowlife that hit cars in shopping centres and leave you with the mess.

Ken

he hit the back of your car his fault he pays

But these days people are gutless morons who would rather hit and run.

Unfortunately it's becoming more and more common. A few months ago I was the victim of a hit and run rear ender that cost me my car, $900 in excess and left me with a recurring stiff neck. The police weren't the slightest bit interested, which was more disappointing that anything else.

any news how you went with your claim?

I went to the police (my area) and made the report; took about half an hour. The cop said the report would be sent to the accident area, Lane Cove, for processing and investigating.
I gave them the insurance claim number (from the quote I got) so that any information & developments will be sent to my insurer (I hope).
As said, I had a quote done also. The guy said it is only a crack on the surface, and that it can be repaired and the bar repainted. It is less than the excess cost (ie $500) therefore I can't claim for it (of course). Alternatively, it is free for me if the police report turns up and provides my insurer with the other knob's details.
So at this stage I am still waiting if anything turns up. I'll check with the assessment centre on the weekend (or Monday).
At this point in time, I don't plan to fix it...not with my money anyway. It's very minor, I'll take some pics to post.