Car accident

[Colleen_8883]

Last October 2010 my car was hit from behind by another vehicle. At the time I was stationary and indicating to turn right. When I started to indicate the road was clear for a couple of hundred yards. The insurers from both parties wrote off my car and offered me £550 (revised upwards from an initial offer of £500). They refused to offer more stating this was its market value. A few weeks previously I had spent £500 on an MOT and 4 new tyres for it!
Due to the scrappage scheme there were fewer reliably sourced 2nd hand cars available that were a suitable replacement for my reliable, comfortable and sound car. The insurers wanted their hire car returned and CAB had advised me I didn't have any other options so I reluctantly accepted the £550.
I eventually ended up paying £1500 when I finally found an acceptable. This was basically £1500 of my own money for a replacement car which I had not been looking for and didn't need, a situation brought about entirely through the fault of the other driver (he admitted responsibility).
Have I any recourse to anything? It just doesn't seem fair that I should have to pay for the other driver's mistake. Should I have got a solicitor to sue for more?

[FindLaw_Miriam]

Hello Colleen_8883,

Thanks for your post. If you want to sue for the amount you paid for a replacement car, you should take your case to a county court for a small claim. There are time restrictions involved in making claims and you may need to speak to a solicitor about it.

Read this article from Her Majesty's Courts Service about how to make a court claim.

If you want to be put in touch with a solicitor in your area, speak to Contact Law.

Good luck,
-FindLaw Moderation Team