Accidents due to lane-change error. Confirm 50-50?

[Swordwind]

Hi to all. I thought I have already gotten over this minor accident that took place last month. However, upon receiving the lawyer letter from the other party tonight, it flared up my temper more than ever.

 

The accident took place at East Coast Park Service Road, outside the carpark exit from Mcdonald's side, before the Marine Parade Road exit. Traffic was kind of packed and slow here usually, because of vehicles turning into the Mcdonald's carpark/taxi stand + vehicles turning out of the carpark + the right turn only lane to exit Marine Parade Road. It was a Saturday night about 8pm, and I was exiting the carpark turning left towards ECP side, slowly taking my time as I knew traffic would be heavy. Oncoming traffic was on my right side, driver's side. So I had a clear sight for any oncoming vehicles from my position. Finally checking clear, I made the turn.

 

Yet after a few metres ahead, when I was already going straight, a colt cut into my front suddenly, making contact with my right side front bumper. The next thing I know, we stopped immediately, into the position as shown in the photo, with the colt coming into and then stopped at the lane at an angle, directly in front of me. Point to note, I didn't take a photo with the alighnment of both cars, rather careless!

 

 

 

The late 30s couple got out (wife was driving), and immediately shouted at me saying why I turned out w/o checking. Feeling ridiculed, I explained that I did checked of couse and was very sure there were no oncoming vehicles on the first lane. Upon analysing the situation further, I told the guy (who was slightly more reasonable, wife kept shouting at me at the background) that there was no way they were coming from lane 1. If yes, they would have rammed off my front bumper or direct into my car. Furthermore, who will dare make such 90degree turn with oncoming vehicles? The oncoming car would crash right into the driver seat! Knowing that we couldn't come to an agreement, the husband said let's claim insurance. Naively, I thought he offered an amicable solution to a complicated situation. I was even confident at that point of time I will not been liable in any way. So we exchanged particulars and left.

 

This sketch basically sums up what I believe happened on that night, with my best knowledge and understanding of course.

 

 

From my point of view, the colt was on the second lane. Seeing that the lane was filled with traffic turning right to Marine Parade Road, they changed lane, and unfortunately hitting me. Some may suggest here that it is common for cars to make wide turns, hitting cars from the next lane. But looking at the photo, my mazda was right by the road curb, with my right wheels were on the direction arrow, and my car was put to a stop within metres from the exit, which is rather self-explanatory that I had made a very tight turn. In fact, I always rather brush against the road curb on the left, then to hit oncoming vehicles.

 

Now, the letter I received today claimed that the accident was caused due to my "negligence in driving", "dashing out of the carpark", "hitting them when they were travelling straight". On their sketch, they drew only 1 lane (which in fact is 2-lanes road), and worse, that my car hit them perpenticularly directly at the turn. This really got my blood boiling, even though it wasn't totally unexpected. As if it wasn't bad enough, they are actually trying to chop me (my insurance) a total of $7k damage. I'm not sure what's the market rate, but looking at the abrasion on their door, does that repair need $5k+??

 

I believe such accident (collision due to lane change error) should be rather common on the road. And after talking to many different parties (including the reporting centre officers, car workshop owners, insurance company officers, etc), it seems like such case is almost confirm 50-50 if I am unable to provide evidence to support my statement (even though for my case, the other party seems to be even attempting to claim me 100% now). I even asked if the 3rd party assessor can gauge from the damages on the car the directions of impact, they said very hard for such minor case. Feeling rather helpless, I've decided to narrate my incident here, both to get more insights from experienced drivers here, and also to highlight to all drivers on such complication in the future.

 

Because of this stupid accident, my 30% NCD seems to be rather gone-case already. Money really does make one lose their conscious? Haiz. Should have installed a video camera...

 

 

[Nzy]

Even with evidence that the other party change lane without checking also 50-50.

[Mcf777]

accident is always like that.

u dont eat people, people eat u.

[Pippo20]

Based on photos, will award 80% liability to you, the other car 20%, simple fact that ur head brush their side door..

[Ithunk]

Hi to all. I thought I have already gotten over this minor accident that took place last month. However, upon receiving the lawyer letter from the other party tonight, it flared up my temper more than ever.

 

The accident took place at East Coast Park Service Road, outside the carpark exit from Mcdonald's side, before the Marine Parade Road exit. Traffic was kind of packed and slow here usually, because of vehicles turning into the Mcdonald's carpark/taxi stand + vehicles turning out of the carpark + the right turn only lane to exit Marine Parade Road. It was a Saturday night about 8pm, and I was exiting the carpark turning left towards ECP side, slowly taking my time as I knew traffic would be heavy. Oncoming traffic was on my right side, driver's side. So I had a clear sight for any oncoming vehicles from my position. Finally checking clear, I made the turn.

 

Yet after a few metres ahead, when I was already going straight, a colt cut into my front suddenly, making contact with my right side front bumper. The next thing I know, we stopped immediately, into the position as shown in the photo, with the colt coming into and then stopped at the lane at an angle, directly in front of me. Point to note, I didn't take a photo with the alighnment of both cars, rather careless!

 

 

 

 

 

The late 30s couple got out (wife was driving), and immediately shouted at me saying why I turned out w/o checking. Feeling ridiculed, I explained that I did checked of couse and was very sure there were no oncoming vehicles on the first lane. Upon analysing the situation further, I told the guy (who was slightly more reasonable, wife kept shouting at me at the background) that there was no way they were coming from lane 1. If yes, they would have rammed off my front bumper or direct into my car. Furthermore, who will dare make such 90degree turn with oncoming vehicles? The oncoming car would crash right into the driver seat! Knowing that we couldn't come to an agreement, the husband said let's claim insurance. Naively, I thought he offered an amicable solution to a complicated situation. I was even confident at that point of time I will not been liable in any way. So we exchanged particulars and left.

 

This sketch basically sums up what I believe happened on that night, with my best knowledge and understanding of course.

 

 

 

From my point of view, the colt was on the second lane. Seeing that the lane was filled with traffic turning right to Marine Parade Road, they changed lane, and unfortunately hitting me. Some may suggest here that it is common for cars to make wide turns, hitting cars from the next lane. But looking at the photo, my mazda was right by the road curb, with my right wheels were on the direction arrow, and my car was put to a stop within metres from the exit, which is rather self-explanatory that I had made a very tight turn. In fact, I always rather brush against the road curb on the left, then to hit oncoming vehicles.

 

Now, the letter I received today claimed that the accident was caused due to my "negligence in driving", "dashing out of the carpark", "hitting them when they were travelling straight". On their sketch, they drew only 1 lane (which in fact is 2-lanes road), and worse, that my car hit them perpenticularly directly at the turn. This really got my blood boiling, even though it wasn't totally unexpected. As if it wasn't bad enough, they are actually trying to chop me (my insurance) a total of $7k damage. I'm not sure what's the market rate, but looking at the abrasion on their door, does that repair need $5k+??

 

I believe such accident (collision due to lane change error) should be rather common on the road. And after talking to many different parties (including the reporting centre officers, car workshop owners, insurance company officers, etc), it seems like such case is almost confirm 50-50 if I am unable to provide evidence to support my statement (even though for my case, the other party seems to be even attempting to claim me 100% now). I even asked if the 3rd party assessor can gauge from the damages on the car the directions of impact, they said very hard for such minor case. Feeling rather helpless, I've decided to narrate my incident here, both to get more insights from experienced drivers here, and also to highlight to all drivers on such complication in the future.

 

Because of this stupid accident, my 30% NCD seems to be rather gone-case already. Money really does make one lose their conscious? Haiz. Should have installed a video camera...

 

by right u should give way to vehicles on the main lane

 

[Ithunk]

anyway drive safe

[Ithunk]

by right u should give way to vehicles on the main lane

 

i think its not by right its u have to give way

[macrosszero]

Asking us is no use. Telling your insurance company your side of the story is more important. When it comes down to approportioning of damage, the mere words and posts of an internet forum do not matter.

[Neutralsg]

From the photograph of your vehicle, it appears that you were not far from the yellow box. Your vehicle was actually on the arrow immediately after the yellow box.

Hence, it appeared that you had turned out while the other party was approaching and therefore may have had to overtake you to avoid a direct collision into the rear or the immediate side of your vehicle if that was how they reported. If the photos were submitted as part of the report, your version of the driver changing lane abruptly from a turning lane may provide you with a chance for a 50/50 claim or may even result in your favor rather than the other party since there were actually 2 lanes i.e. a turning and straight lane.

It really depends on your report and your insurers lawyers ability to counter claim.

It might have helped if you had actually attempted to claim against the other party for causing the collision rather than you. I am inclined to believe your story. Good luck!

Just my 2 cents.

I'll be interested to know the final outcome of this incident if you are willing to share.

Edited December 10, 2010 by Neutralsg

[Vtec78]

kena side, usually kena 50 50 case. unless u have witness who saw what happen. i was bang on my back door insurance also say 50 50. i was telling them i kena bang also my fault ar...but what to do. in singapore, the only time u win is when u kena bang from the back directly. else rest of cases, insurance company and workshop win.

[Good-Carbuyer]

Hi to all. I thought I have already gotten over this minor accident that took place last month. However, upon receiving the lawyer letter from the other party tonight, it flared up my temper more than ever.

 

The accident took place at East Coast Park Service Road, outside the carpark exit from Mcdonald's side, before the Marine Parade Road exit. Traffic was kind of packed and slow here usually, because of vehicles turning into the Mcdonald's carpark/taxi stand + vehicles turning out of the carpark + the right turn only lane to exit Marine Parade Road. It was a Saturday night about 8pm, and I was exiting the carpark turning left towards ECP side, slowly taking my time as I knew traffic would be heavy. Oncoming traffic was on my right side, driver's side. So I had a clear sight for any oncoming vehicles from my position. Finally checking clear, I made the turn.

 

Yet after a few metres ahead, when I was already going straight, a colt cut into my front suddenly, making contact with my right side front bumper. The next thing I know, we stopped immediately, into the position as shown in the photo, with the colt coming into and then stopped at the lane at an angle, directly in front of me. Point to note, I didn't take a photo with the alighnment of both cars, rather careless!

 

 

 

 

 

The late 30s couple got out (wife was driving), and immediately shouted at me saying why I turned out w/o checking. Feeling ridiculed, I explained that I did checked of couse and was very sure there were no oncoming vehicles on the first lane. Upon analysing the situation further, I told the guy (who was slightly more reasonable, wife kept shouting at me at the background) that there was no way they were coming from lane 1. If yes, they would have rammed off my front bumper or direct into my car. Furthermore, who will dare make such 90degree turn with oncoming vehicles? The oncoming car would crash right into the driver seat! Knowing that we couldn't come to an agreement, the husband said let's claim insurance. Naively, I thought he offered an amicable solution to a complicated situation. I was even confident at that point of time I will not been liable in any way. So we exchanged particulars and left.

 

This sketch basically sums up what I believe happened on that night, with my best knowledge and understanding of course.

 

 

 

From my point of view, the colt was on the second lane. Seeing that the lane was filled with traffic turning right to Marine Parade Road, they changed lane, and unfortunately hitting me. Some may suggest here that it is common for cars to make wide turns, hitting cars from the next lane. But looking at the photo, my mazda was right by the road curb, with my right wheels were on the direction arrow, and my car was put to a stop within metres from the exit, which is rather self-explanatory that I had made a very tight turn. In fact, I always rather brush against the road curb on the left, then to hit oncoming vehicles.

 

Now, the letter I received today claimed that the accident was caused due to my "negligence in driving", "dashing out of the carpark", "hitting them when they were travelling straight". On their sketch, they drew only 1 lane (which in fact is 2-lanes road), and worse, that my car hit them perpenticularly directly at the turn. This really got my blood boiling, even though it wasn't totally unexpected. As if it wasn't bad enough, they are actually trying to chop me (my insurance) a total of $7k damage. I'm not sure what's the market rate, but looking at the abrasion on their door, does that repair need $5k+??

 

I believe such accident (collision due to lane change error) should be rather common on the road. And after talking to many different parties (including the reporting centre officers, car workshop owners, insurance company officers, etc), it seems like such case is almost confirm 50-50 if I am unable to provide evidence to support my statement (even though for my case, the other party seems to be even attempting to claim me 100% now). I even asked if the 3rd party assessor can gauge from the damages on the car the directions of impact, they said very hard for such minor case. Feeling rather helpless, I've decided to narrate my incident here, both to get more insights from experienced drivers here, and also to highlight to all drivers on such complication in the future.

 

Because of this stupid accident, my 30% NCD seems to be rather gone-case already. Money really does make one lose their conscious? Haiz. Should have installed a video camera...

No mention there was no witness/passerbys, except the lady driver's husband in the Colt

No sketch of the accident displayed for appreciation

Oncoming traffic were on your right side and you turned into the main road?

They were not coming in the first lane (meaning they were in the second lane, or were they already waiting in Lane 1 to exit into ECP?)

It does appear that you had ignored that Colt travelling in the second lane/ Lane 2 along the main road, or waiting in the Lane 1 to exit into ECP

Can share with us why you told the guy there is no way they were coming from the first lane?

Can share with us why you had dicussed the accident with the guy/passenger instead of the lady driver directly involved?

Based on the details available: you are fully responsible for causing the accident. It would cost you more than $7k to challenge they claim for compensation

I believe the only help I can give you to avoid repeat accidents like this: read and understand the Highway Code. Practice your driving skill (cheaper to attend refresher driving lessons)

 

[Good-Carbuyer]

You got the point. You are right. He forgot the Highway Code/made too big a turn (the lady was so kind to lecture him aloud on highway Code)

[Solar]

Even with evidence that the other party change lane without checking also 50-50.

 

even with onboard video that shows the mistake?

[SimonTan]

 

Many foreign lawyers set up firms in Singapore, so many such lawyer letters cases nowadays!

[Csnewbie]

Video cams selling like hot cakes too.

 

 

 

 

[Dafansu]

The colt from the main road where you turned into right? Even if they changed lane its still your fault as you have to ensure traffic is clear before turning out

Edited December 11, 2010 by Dafansu

[Drumstick]

side sweep if you are the car further back, liable to 80% under 3rd party claim.

 

I claim 2 yrs ago incident at JB custom. I was the forward car, the black picnic front left hit my rear right back door till near boot. Forward car 20%, back car 80%. Coz if you are the back car, and yet still move forward when u know that it's gonna hit, it's your fault.

[Swordwind]

Based on photos, will award 80% liability to you, the other car 20%, simple fact that ur head brush their side door..

 

hmmm..guess the million dollar qns here is, how to tell whether is i hit them with my head? or they changed into my lane abruptly hitting my head?

 

precisely quite hard to gauge, and so i've also accepted that it's gonna end up a 50-50 case, even though i maintain my stance that there's nothing I can do if they cut into my lane abruptly. Do note that if I wasn't even travelling slowly and brake when the colt cut in, it wont just be a small dent on my bumper with abrasion on the colt's door. Just a bit offended that they push all the liability to me.