BMW 318i - ACCIDENT DAMAGE

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It could happen to anyone at any time, hence the need for good insurance cover and a vehicle in tip top condition.

A community nurse was on her way home after a day's hard work, when she failed to stop and hit two stationary cars, just half a mile from her home. This nurse is always on the move, which is part of her job in the community.  She drives many miles in the course of her duties in the Sussex area. She has two children who she drives to and from school most days. Then there are the shopping runs.  Life without a vehicle would be unthinkable. 

BMW 318i belonging to Sharon Scotford-Smith

The Rover below was the car in front, turning right into his home.  A third car was involved as a sandwich in the middle. The drivers of the two cars in front and a passenger, are claiming damages from Ms Scotford-Smith. Fortunately, she had comprehensive cover.  Otherwise, claims made against her could cause financial difficulty, and that is the reason third party insurance is a legal requirement in the UK and most other countries. Sharon's Insurers confirmed they would settle any claims for her, despite the fact she had no valid MOT on the day of the incident, which technically means the car is not roadworthy. NIG are the insurance company.

NIG insurance settled with Ms Scotford-Smith shortly after the accident.  We understand other claims are still to be settled, subject to investigation and information which may be revealed during court proceedings. It does not pay to operate a vehicle you know to be in less than tip top condition. In particular a nurse has a duty to her patients. We all of course owe a duty to other road users and ourselves. So don't drive a car if it is not safe. Don't drive a car that is uninsured and always make sure your MOT is current or valid. Any failure to do so, may have serious consequences for yourself and other families who use the roads.

Rover 214 victim of a multiple shunt at Hailsham in Sussex

Civil and/or criminal proceedings following an accident can literally ruin the lives of those involved, if they are not properly protected.  We cannot stress the importance of keeping your vehicle is good condition.  If you do, you will stand a better chance in any conditions.  if you don't, watch out, you are bound to be caught out. An MOT is one way of making sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Don't just rely on this. Use your common sense. If you know something is not working correctly on your car or van, or if there are any strange noises - check them out.

This BMW had a clutch that sometimes refused to disengage. The nurse had some kind of medical problem, but could not recall how the accident happened. She was less than a mile from her home when it happened. We understand from the Sussex Police Road Collision Unit in Shoreham by Sea, that the accident team failed to test the brakes or clutch of this 3 series BMW. The mountings of the gearbox were broken, which is unusual in such accidents. We know this because an engineer tried to drive the vehicle and it could not be started. The RAC were called to the scene to take the vehicle to workshops in Herstmonceux. Well done RAC for acting quickly to clear this public highway. Not so well done to the Police, for not examining the vehicle or the drivers, to identify the cause of the vehicle. We understand two of the crash victims were taken to hospital, but not the nurse.

Sharon's BMW being loaded onto a recovery vehicle

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