I'm pained to post in this thread as a victim of a small accident.
My car which was rear ended by a Zen today morning around 7.50am in the Nelamangala Elevated Toll road, Bangalore.
I was going to Melkote with my entire family (4 adults + 1 child, me included). I was doing about 75kmph (speed limit in the elevated toll road is 80kmph) when suddenly the traffic ahead of me slowed abruptly to a stop. The vehicle immediately ahead of me was a mini-truck who came to a halt and I had to brake hard to come to a halt behind him. I stopped about 3-4 meters behind this truck. About a second later, I hear a crash from behind to find this Zen rear-ending me. All of us were buckled-up and hence no injuries or whiplash whatsoever.
My wife quickly took snaps of both vehicles with damages. I demanded the guy to accompany me to the nearest police station. At first, he said ok. He gave me his name and mobile number. Then I demanded to see his insurance note which he showed me and I had snaps taken of the same (to get his name, address and phone number). Slowly his tone changed, he was now blaming me for the accident and was asking me why I braked hard (did he expect me to rear-end the truck?
![Frustration](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/Frustration.gif)
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He said we can go to Nelamangala Police station to sort things out. But I lost him in the Nelamangala toll booth. I pull over and call his number which turns out to be wrong number. I had suspected something of this sort. So I check with his insurance note and call his correct number - he now says he is going to leave his car in a garage and then come over to the police station. By now, I don't trust him, so I ask him to come directly to the police station. He is still blaming me for the accident and says that his repairs will cost more than mine. I tell him again to come to police station to sort it out. But, he cuts the call. Few more attempts to call him, but his phone is switched-off.
Fortunately, I saw a Traffic policeman in a nearby tea shop and explained him my situation. He was kind and politely asked me all details. But told me that since the incident happened on elevated toll road, I have to approach Peenya Police station since it comes in their jurisdiction. He patiently told me the route to the Peenya Police station as well.
I then drove cautiously to Peenya traffic Police station. Lots of police and traffic police were there due to Republic day bandobast. I was guided to the appropriate officer in charge. There were 3 traffic policemen who patiently heard my story. Took down all details such as vehicle numbers, names, addresses etc. They tried calling the errant driver's number but it was switched off. The policemen were sympathetic to my plight and told me to contact them this evening. Meanwhile, they said they will continue to contact the other party in the accident. They told me that if I were to file an FIR, I will have to leave the car with them for minimum 3 days. I was reluctant to leave it there since I live about 25 kms away from there. They told me to get an estimate of repair bill from authorized service center and if possible, settle it amicably with the other party. I called up TASS to find out that they are closed today on the occasion of Republic day. I'm planning to go tomorrow and check the extend of damage (Rear bumper is a goner, definitely has to be replaced. Boot door is not opening - I have luggage and some important documents inside it. Some rear parking sensors are damaged. Rear fog lamp is damaged.)
I drove back home cautiously. The day had started with hope and happy expectations on a family trip to Melkote. But sadly, fate had some other plans for us. But still, no injuries or harm to anyone. So thankful for that.
Sorry for the long post. Suggestions from fellow BHPians on how to proceed with repair/insurance claim will be much appreciated.
My heartfelt thanks to Bangalore Traffic Police for their kind support and understanding
Damage to my car
The Zen that rear ended me
![Accidents in India | Pics & Videos-5.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/road-safety/1720936d1689887866t-accidents-india-pics-videos-5.jpg)