I hit a gate post that's literally on the highway... could I claim?

[mathmosman]

Hello all.

 

Today - when doing the school run, I parked the car near to the entrance to a Highways Agency weighbridge. The gate is normally closed, however today, it was open.

 

I parked, walked kids up to school and returned to the car. I got in, looked out - nothing obstructing me, so drove off - to an almighty crunch and smash. Not visible from the car, I hadn't realised that the gatepost (for when they lock the gate) actually sits in the road.

 

I'm not really one to claim, but I wondered if there's possibility to claim against either the local authority or highways agency for not making this post visible - in height or sign..? Any thoughts??

[dx100uk]

so you parked inside the boundary that would normally be inside the gated area?

 

 

post up the google earth co-ords...

[BazzaS]

Hello all.

 

Today - when doing the school run, I parked the car near to the entrance to a Highways Agency weighbridge. The gate is normally closed, however today, it was open.

 

I parked, walked kids up to school and returned to the car. I got in, looked out - nothing obstructing me, so drove off - to an almighty crunch and smash. Not visible from the car, I hadn't realised that the gatepost (for when they lock the gate) actually sits in the road.

 

I'm not really one to claim, but I wondered if there's possibility to claim against either the local authority or highways agency for not making this post visible - in height or sign..? Any thoughts??

 

Did it leap out in front of you?

 

If not, and was stationary, surely you as the driver have the obligation to avoid fixed hazards....

[king12345]

Did it leap out in front of you?

 

If not, and was stationary, surely you as the driver have the obligation to avoid fixed hazards....

 

If the gates open outwards into the street, the posts should be of a certain height and reflective.

I remember an old neighbour who had to pay damage to a car because his gate opened outwards and sticking out past the pavement by a few inches.

He forgot it open one day and a car drove into it.

We need to see pictures.

[Conniff]

If the post is on the actual highway, then yes, you can claim. To reinforce your claim, go back and get some pictures so you can put them in with your claim.

[Ganymede]

Hello all.

 

Today - when doing the school run, I parked the car near to the entrance to a Highways Agency weighbridge. The gate is normally closed, however today, it was open.

 

I parked, walked kids up to school and returned to the car. I got in, looked out - nothing obstructing me, so drove off - to an almighty crunch and smash. Not visible from the car, I hadn't realised that the gatepost (for when they lock the gate) actually sits in the road.

 

I'm not really one to claim, but I wondered if there's possibility to claim against either the local authority or highways agency for not making this post visible - in height or sign..? Any thoughts??

 

On the face of it I don't fancy your chances.

 

However, can you show us a pic of the area?

[dx100uk]

op has not been back to cag since the minute after they posted the thread.

[labrat]

probably because they suddenly realized the letter would go something along the lines of

 

dear sir

 

i am the one who crashed into your post and drove off without stopping

 

will you please pay for the damage to my car without requesting any money for the post i dragged along the street