be careful

[pigeonjake]

this is what can happen over here, im sure you all know this already but just to remind everyone to be carefull,

just driving back from swimming with my wife and daughter and bang, motor bike strait into the side of us,

we are all ok, went to hospital as our daughter 4 years old had a couple of small cuts on her head, me and the wife were more shook up then anything else,

the thai driver and his passenger will both survive, as usual going to fast with there eyes shut, said to the police they didnt see us, big silver pickup,

we have to wait till the driver is out of hospital to start the talks,,lol

i pointed out to the police oficer, look no tax on his bike, and i said to be shore to ask to see his licence,

 

be careful out there people

[Halfaboy]

I think it would be better letting the talks do by your insurance representative.

[pigeonjake]

you could be right, but ive been told i have to be there,

the police told me im not at fault

 

[01322521959]

Hope all goes well.

Sent from my i-mobile_i-STYLE_219 using Thaivisa Connect mobile app

[pigeonjake]

thanks,

im sure it will

[Crossy]

Let your insurance rep do all the talking.

 

If you don't have one, go and buy a dashcam.

 

 

[georgemandm]

2 hours ago, pigeonjake said:

you could be right, but ive been told i have to be there,

the police told me im not at fault

 

Great to read the police say your not at fault , because I hear stories out there that the car is at fault at all times , because the car is bigger.

i have been very lucky not have had a  accident in thailand thank god .

the place is a  nightmare to drive around. 

Like playing  Russian roulette with a car .

hop it all works out for you , but that is why we all have good insurance , let them do it all for you , I would leave it up to them .

If you have to go and do a report just do it and leave.

[kannot]

The  amount of Thais  I see not looking at the road  for LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG periods of time is staggering, sometimes I sit there thinking that it  must have been 10-15 seconds or more since they glanced up, never understand it, never  will.

[georgemandm]

12 minutes ago, kannot said:

The  amount of Thais  I see not looking at the road  for LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG periods of time is staggering, sometimes I sit there thinking that it  must have been 10-15 seconds or more since they glanced up, never understand it, never  will.

I agree with you 100% .

I was teaching my thai to drive last year and the first thing I  taught her was to look in your  mirrors and keep your eyes on the road at all times and I have to say after 4 months she became a very good driver and pass with  ease to get her license.

 

[slapout]

And they seem to like to carry on a conversation , hand signals and all while driving. I told my student, watch the other vehicles on the road and talk /cuss them and you will become more defensive in your driving. I also pointed out you can not go sight seeing and drive at the same time.I do not haqve the attitude to ever teach someone to drive safely again, too old and grouchy

[djayz]

No matter what happens, always remain calm during the talks and let your wife do the talking. 

Unfortunately the motorbike rider has the upper hand: if he says he can't pay or he can't pay enough to compensate you for the damaged pick-up, then it's up to you to bring him to court - a long and eventually costly process. 

 

[FritsSikkink]

1 hour ago, djayz said:

No matter what happens, always remain calm during the talks and let your wife do the talking. 

Unfortunately the motorbike rider has the upper hand: if he says he can't pay or he can't pay enough to compensate you for the damaged pick-up, then it's up to you to bring him to court - a long and eventually costly process. 

 

"let your wife do the talking" Be independent and talk yourself.

[grollies]

22 hours ago, Crossy said:

Let your insurance rep do all the talking.

 

If you don't have one, go and buy a dashcam.

 

 

Stable door, horse, bolted?

 

But you raise an important point. I'm out ob a shop today and a dashcam will be on the list.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

Jake.

 

1. Make sure you find a male Thai (who you can trust and speaks good English) that can join you at the police station.
2. Do not rely on your wife to handle negotiations as the Thai male police officer will not listen to her.
3. If the police have said you are not at fault, then you should request a written copy of the accident report today.
4. Be mindful that those at fault may know (or be related to) the police officer that handles your initial negotiations.
5. Be mindful that those at fault may pay money to have the accident report falsified.
6. The police may seek to imply that you are partially at fault especially if money has changed hands.
7. With respect, I am not sure of your wife's education level, so do not assume that she has any understanding of this process.
8. Also do not rely upon your wife's translation of any of the content in the police report and any settlement document.
9. Do not sign any settlement document before you have had it translated to you by someone you trust (and that has the education to fully understand any terms contained therein).
10. Do not rely on the information or translations provided to you by the insurance officer that shows up for your meeting.  He may also be subject to payment and if local may also know or be related to those at fault.
11. The police will endeavor to sweep this under the mat in the first meeting.  Ensure that you are 100% clear on the entire content of any document that you are asked to sign.
12. From the point of view of fault for the accident the fact that the motorbike did not have a current tax sticker means nothing.  The police will just demand the payment of 500 baht from the lads for not having a current sticker.  Same applies if they do not have a licence.
13. You should assume that the lads do not have insurance nor the money to pay for the significant repairs required to your vehicle.
14. If the bike is unregistered and uninsured, make sure that the police report clearly states who the owner of the bike is.  This is because to get any money back you will likely have to bring a claim ( "fong saan") the owner at the local court house.  You may be lucky and get a settlement prior this the matter going before the judge, but I would not hold your breath, as the lads (and their families) are not likely to have the coin to pay for your repairs.
15. It will take about 5-6 months for your claim to go before the judge.  In the event you are awarded a judgment in your favour, then the owner of the bike will be ordered to make a monthly payment to you based upon his income.  If he has little or no income then you will (if lucky) receive a drip feed of a few hundred baht per month into the next century.  
16. You should go right now and get a quote (3 quotes would be better) for the repairs to your vehicle. If you do not have that information at hand you will be entering ill prepared into any settlement negotiations.
17. Looks like about a 30k-50K repair?  Keep in mind that that amount (especially if paid as a lump sum) is a fortune in your parts. 
18. Don't get harangued into taking less than the amount you are rightly owed (because you are a rich foreigner and should help out the poor impoverished locals). 

 

PM me if you want.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

P.S.

 

Put a shirt on when you go to the police station. 

[NanLaew]

22 hours ago, pigeonjake said:

you could be right, but ive been told i have to be there,

the police told me im not at fault

 

Then there's no real need for you to go there unless you are willing to participate in the usual, pathetic song sahn and krieng jai rubbish where a token amount of non-documented cash compensation will be 'negotiated' outwith any insurance company payments.

 

Up to you as you do live in a rural community and things can 'go around' but if you do decide on some personal compensation payment, make sure that this is documented and signed by both you and the recipients with the note that it is a once-only and final payment, witnessed and signed by your insurance agent and the local plod. Typically any insurance payments will be direct with any hospitals and can take upwards of 10 days to settle. When the locals find out that they aren't getting the cash in hand from your insurer to pay hospital bills and buy a new bike, things can go pear-shaped... and demands may go up.

 

They may be salt of the earth country people but they will be having their ears bent by all and sundry including family, to get that hand out for longer and bigger cash payments.

[pigeonjake]

57 minutes ago, Bulldozer Dawn said:

Jake.

 

1. Make sure you find a male Thai (who you can trust and speaks good English) that can join you at the police station.
2. Do not rely on your wife to handle negotiations as the Thai male police officer will not listen to her.
3. If the police have said you are not at fault, then you should request a written copy of the accident report today.
4. Be mindful that those at fault may know (or be related to) the police officer that handles your initial negotiations.
5. Be mindful that those at fault may pay money to have the accident report falsified.
6. The police may seek to imply that you are partially at fault especially if money has changed hands.
7. With respect, I am not sure of your wife's education level, so do not assume that she has any understanding of this process.
8. Also do not rely upon your wife's translation of any of the content in the police report and any settlement document.
9. Do not sign any settlement document before you have had it translated to you by someone you trust (and that has the education to fully understand any terms contained therein).
10. Do not rely on the information or translations provided to you by the insurance officer that shows up for your meeting.  He may also be subject to payment and if local may also know or be related to those at fault.
11. The police will endeavor to sweep this under the mat in the first meeting.  Ensure that you are 100% clear on the entire content of any document that you are asked to sign.
12. From the point of view of fault for the accident the fact that the motorbike did not have a current tax sticker means nothing.  The police will just demand the payment of 500 baht from the lads for not having a current sticker.  Same applies if they do not have a licence.
13. You should assume that the lads do not have insurance nor the money to pay for the significant repairs required to your vehicle.
14. If the bike is unregistered and uninsured, make sure that the police report clearly states who the owner of the bike is.  This is because to get any money back you will likely have to bring a claim ( "fong saan") the owner at the local court house.  You may be lucky and get a settlement prior this the matter going before the judge, but I would not hold your breath, as the lads (and their families) are not likely to have the coin to pay for your repairs.
15. It will take about 5-6 months for your claim to go before the judge.  In the event you are awarded a judgment in your favour, then the owner of the bike will be ordered to make a monthly payment to you based upon his income.  If he has little or no income then you will (if lucky) receive a drip feed of a few hundred baht per month into the next century.  
16. You should go right now and get a quote (3 quotes would be better) for the repairs to your vehicle. If you do not have that information at hand you will be entering ill prepared into any settlement negotiations.
17. Looks like about a 30k-50K repair?  Keep in mind that that amount (especially if paid as a lump sum) is a fortune in your parts. 
18. Don't get harangued into taking less than the amount you are rightly owed (because you are a rich foreigner and should help out the poor impoverished locals). 

 

PM me if you want.

thanks for that, great advice

[Bulldozer Dawn]

You're welcome.  

 

You can give me a few crayfish if I am ever up your way.  

 

Keep in mind that although 50K is not a lot in your scope of things, it is a fortune to those at fault.  They will pulling every string at their disposal to avoid liability (or to shift it on to you). 

 

With respect to you and your wife, do not rely on her during any discussions or negotiations. The Thai men in the room will not listen to her at all.  Firstly, because she is a female, and secondly because she is a farmer. Also it is likely that you wife will not understand a good deal of the terms used during the discussion.

 

PM me if you want additional help.

[twizzian]

23 hours ago, kannot said:

The  amount of Thais  I see not looking at the road  for LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG periods of time is staggering, sometimes I sit there thinking that it  must have been 10-15 seconds or more since they glanced up, never understand it, never  will.

 

Uneducated minds of most drivers, child like thinking that don't see the dangers around themselves.

I'd climb 60ft trees when I was a kid and think nothing of it, now I would be thinking is that first branch safe.

[djayz]

6 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

"let your wife do the talking" Be independent and talk yourself.

I actually meant because of the whole language barrier... but if you speak Thai fluently, then I take my hat off to you and that obviously is a game changer. 

Either way, good luck. I hope Jake gets his pick-up repaired. 

[Denim]

6 hours ago, grollies said:

Stable door, horse, bolted?

 

But you raise an important point. I'm out ob a shop today and a dashcam will be on the list.

Make sure to get one with all around vision. If you have a cam that just points to the front it won't help much if you are hit in the rear or side.

[ocddave]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

Make sure to get one with all around vision. If you have a cam that just points to the front it won't help much if you are hit in the rear or side.

Not sure I have even seen and all-around vision camera, maybe on a google vehicle, you mean a 2 channel front/back camera system? If the OP does go that route, I would probably go with the Blackvue DR650S-2CH, wish I had, but tried a different companies dashcam (hard to mount though, and camera is too big, which making mounting even harder).

[timendres]

Just another example of why I will never own or drive a vehicle in Thailand. Bad enough being a passenger. I have the luxury of being in Bangkok, so taxis and motocy are abundant. I realize those in further out places, and with families to transport, have a much more difficult situation and often need to have a vehicle. Good luck to those who must drive...

[robertthebruce]

 

 

I gave up driving anything here a few months back, and my Blood Pressure has reduced considerably.....says it all really....

 

 

[connda]

On 2/14/2017 at 2:00 PM, Crossy said:

Let your insurance rep do all the talking.

 

If you don't have one, go and buy a dashcam.

 

 

Actually, have excellent insurance and a dash cam.  I figure I could put together a really great compilation of some of the most stupid driving I see here in Northern Thailand caught on my dash cam.  It's on a daily basis.  Every day - 5, 10, 20+ instances of insane stupidity and utterly poor driving.  It's mind boggling! 

[connda]

9 hours ago, Bulldozer Dawn said:

Jake.

 

1. Make sure you find a male Thai (who you can trust and speaks good English) that can join you at the police station.
2. Do not rely on your wife to handle negotiations as the Thai male police officer will not listen to her.
3. If the police have said you are not at fault, then you should request a written copy of the accident report today.
4. Be mindful that those at fault may know (or be related to) the police officer that handles your initial negotiations.
5. Be mindful that those at fault may pay money to have the accident report falsified.
6. The police may seek to imply that you are partially at fault especially if money has changed hands.
7. With respect, I am not sure of your wife's education level, so do not assume that she has any understanding of this process.
8. Also do not rely upon your wife's translation of any of the content in the police report and any settlement document.
9. Do not sign any settlement document before you have had it translated to you by someone you trust (and that has the education to fully understand any terms contained therein).
10. Do not rely on the information or translations provided to you by the insurance officer that shows up for your meeting.  He may also be subject to payment and if local may also know or be related to those at fault.
11. The police will endeavor to sweep this under the mat in the first meeting.  Ensure that you are 100% clear on the entire content of any document that you are asked to sign.
12. From the point of view of fault for the accident the fact that the motorbike did not have a current tax sticker means nothing.  The police will just demand the payment of 500 baht from the lads for not having a current sticker.  Same applies if they do not have a licence.
13. You should assume that the lads do not have insurance nor the money to pay for the significant repairs required to your vehicle.
14. If the bike is unregistered and uninsured, make sure that the police report clearly states who the owner of the bike is.  This is because to get any money back you will likely have to bring a claim ( "fong saan") the owner at the local court house.  You may be lucky and get a settlement prior this the matter going before the judge, but I would not hold your breath, as the lads (and their families) are not likely to have the coin to pay for your repairs.
15. It will take about 5-6 months for your claim to go before the judge.  In the event you are awarded a judgment in your favour, then the owner of the bike will be ordered to make a monthly payment to you based upon his income.  If he has little or no income then you will (if lucky) receive a drip feed of a few hundred baht per month into the next century.  
16. You should go right now and get a quote (3 quotes would be better) for the repairs to your vehicle. If you do not have that information at hand you will be entering ill prepared into any settlement negotiations.
17. Looks like about a 30k-50K repair?  Keep in mind that that amount (especially if paid as a lump sum) is a fortune in your parts. 
18. Don't get harangued into taking less than the amount you are rightly owed (because you are a rich foreigner and should help out the poor impoverished locals). 

 

PM me if you want.

The mods should 'pin' this!

[connda]

4 hours ago, Denim said:

Make sure to get one with all around vision. If you have a cam that just points to the front it won't help much if you are hit in the rear or side.

I've never seen a 360 degree.  Where do you get them?  Brand names?  Models?  Prices?  Thanks.

[George FmplesdaCosteedback]

THINK BIKE!

Silver is not distinctive colour in the sunlight here.

Did you see them coming?

If he was at some seed I guess he was on the main road and you pulled out. Or was he on the wrong side of the road, and even then you should should still have seem them...

Please explain... was it a cross roads, T-junction or what?

I know all too well how careless Thai drivers are, so as a careful biker I'd like to know how this accident came to happen.

[ocddave]

4 minutes ago, George FmplesdaCosteedback said:

THINK BIKE!

Silver is not distinctive colour in the sunlight here.

Did you see them coming?

If he was at some seed I guess he was on the main road and you pulled out. Or was he on the wrong side of the road, and even then you should should still have seem them...

Please explain... was it a cross roads, T junction or what?

Bike riders need to think for themselves, make bad choices, you pay for it. Motorcyclist here are Organ Donors waiting for a place to happen, I have never seen such total disdain for safety in my life, they literally drive like their lives don't matter much.....total insanity!

[cyberfarang]

How did this happen? Looks like the pickup pulled out of a side road in front of an oncoming motorcyclist.