Holiday turned nightmare due to drunk driver! [Archive]

ninja_ang

26th May 2007, 10:33

Well we went on hols to Cornwall last Sunday and were going to meet parents in law and nephews there yesterday to continue the hols, however they were driving down, on the M4 at Slough when a drunk driver hit them which rolled their car 4 times into a ditch, but not only this, he drove off and left them for dead. There are some really nasty people out there, luckily the police have caught him.
FIL is in hospital and is having an op today, oldest nephew was in hospital for a day, MIL is ok, but very shaken, upset and can't sleep. Youngest nephew (10) is really upset and doesn't ever want to go on a motorway again.
So needless to say, hols was cut short and we are back home now ferrying family to and from hospital (1 hour away)!
All I can say is we are very lucky that they are all alive.
xxxx

Clairog

26th May 2007, 10:49

That is horrendous! I really hope they are all ok
Claire :)

wwcrazy

26th May 2007, 10:52

Hope FIL is going to be ok. Sounds like it could have been a lot worse:(

I just wish the ******* would get a fitting sentence, sadly I doubt it.

ninja_ang

26th May 2007, 10:55

Well he gave a breath test at the side of road that said he was really over the limit, but he refused to give a sample at the station, he also said he wasn't driving and that he did not care that there were children in the car, just shows what a nasty person he is!
xxx

Gizmos

26th May 2007, 10:56

so sorry to hear of your misfortune - I really think that people seem to be gettng more and more selfish/discourteous (present company excluded) think that tougher sentencing is the way to go

hope they all make a good recovery soon and that you can have another family holiday as well

pinkieplum

26th May 2007, 11:00

How awful for you all. At least they are going to be OK which is some consolation. Just hope that the ******* who caused it gets his just rewards. Big :hug: to you

mmm

26th May 2007, 11:05

I really feel for you & your family, hopefully it will be a quick recovery for FIL. Unfortunatly it may take longer for the mental scars to heal.

I hate people drinking & driving, its so un-necessary

I dont drink much but if Im driving i NEVER have an alcholic drink.

I wish them all a quick recovery.

chirpy007

26th May 2007, 11:08

sandhabibi

26th May 2007, 11:10

My gosh how awful for you all, Hope fil operation goes ok and is on the road to recovery soon.
Thinking of you:grouphug:
My oh lost license last year for being over limit having possession of car keys whilst not even driving or in the car & big fine.
They should throw the book at somebody like this driver especially leaving the scene.

tiger

26th May 2007, 11:12

Wht a terrible thing to happen. Thank goodness it wasn't worse and that they caught the other driver.

I hope that all goes well with your FIL's operation and that everyone soon recovers from the stress.

GemLou

26th May 2007, 12:37

That is so awful, I really feel for you.

Hope all goes well with FIL op and MIL and nephews feel better soon, it will take awhile for them to forget the trauma.

Hope they throw the book at the ******* too.

ninja_ang

26th May 2007, 15:48

Well FIL has had his first op this morning, they have removed most of the glass from his skull and tried to mend his hand, he has to have another one on his head on monday, but is all looking positive, thanks for all your support!
xxx

rainbow

26th May 2007, 15:56

Just seen this thread.........it's hard to believe someone could do that to other people and not show remorse. This guy should be locked up. If he's not remorseful now he's likely to drink and drive again. Hope everyone makes a complete recovery, and you can all have your holiday when you are able.

zoot

26th May 2007, 16:16

My thoughts are with your family. Hope all are recovered soon.

ninja_ang

29th May 2007, 22:22

FIL has had another op today, but they have found that there is a bit of a problem with his heart as well. He is doing well though and we hope to have him home from hospital sometime next week.
Thanks all for your kind words, PTS is a lovely place to be among friends when you are feeling down!
Here are a couple of pics of the car!
xxx

rainbow

29th May 2007, 22:32

OMG that gives me the jitters to see the state of the car, and to think there were two children in it! Thank goodness everybody is doing okay under the circumstances. I really hope they throw the book at the scum who did this.

Mamzie

29th May 2007, 22:48

That is horrific, I have goosebumps just looking at that car. Thank God your family are relatively ok.

How are the boys and your MIL?

And hugs to you all as well.

sandhabibi

29th May 2007, 22:52

Scary to see the state of the car. Hugs to you just because....

ninja_ang

29th May 2007, 23:03

That is horrific, I have goosebumps just looking at that car. Thank God your family are relatively ok.

How are the boys and your MIL?

And hugs to you all as well.

MIL and boys are fine physically, although the youngest seems quite traumatised by it as he's only young, the oldest boy had to go with FIL in ambulance and I think it really scared him seeing his grandad like that!
I think they're all having trouble sleeping!
We are just so glad because after seeing the car it could have been a much worse situation!
FIL had a skin graft(not sure if thats the right word) done today, but has lots of staples in his head, think it's going to be wuite a while before he's back to normal!
It's a shame he's so far away, took us 2 1/2 hours to get there and back today, dh and I have to go back to work on Thursday so things will get harder then as no-one else has a car and they forget to tick the box on their insurance for a courtesy car!
xxxx

tiger

29th May 2007, 23:06

Very scary looking at those pictures.
I hope your FIL will soon be well enough to be transferred to a hospital nearer to home.

Mamzie

29th May 2007, 23:10

ninja_ang

29th May 2007, 23:11

Very scary looking at those pictures.
I hope your FIL will soon be well enough to be transferred to a hospital nearer to home.

He has asked as they live in the same town as one of the best plastic surgery hospitals in the country, they would have taken him, but have decided not to due to his heart problem, he has been put on tablets for this now, so maybe they;ll take him soon!
xxx

ninja_ang

29th May 2007, 23:15

I can completely understand how shook up they are. I still over react after my (minor) RTA last year, and in fact am going to get behaviour therpy because of flashbacks and nightmares.

Do you know yet is the other driver insured, only I had the legal cover with my insurance (then due to call centre probs swapped firms) they actually organised a replacement car for me until mine returned, and said that the costs will be claimed off their insurance.

In a way I was lucky enough to be backended by a works vans, so liability etc has not been a problem. But it may be worth while looking into that for them. I could have reclaimed Taxis, public Transport, etc, as well.

The legal team haven't been in contact yet, but they are going to ask, although problem is MIL is too scared to drive now!
The other driver was insured because it turnes out to be an avis rental car, and there were 2 witnesses, one of which stayed with them until the ambulance left, let them put their pet wiemeraner dog and youngest nephew in his car and alerted police and ambulance, therfore there are some decent people left in this world!

Mamzie

29th May 2007, 23:26

What a lovely person to help like that.

I'm sorry I hadn't realised your FIL was in a Hospital miles away from his home. Would a train be feasible for your MIL? A taxi may take ages? I would def chase the legal team up, that why I went with a localish firm, instead of my insurance one as they had kept me hanging around for ages.

Hopefully when he is closer your MIL can at least take a Taxi to him, and they can use taxis when he is released until they feel able to drive again.

ninja_ang

29th May 2007, 23:31

Trains would take hours unfortunately and taxi's are £95 each way, so not an option either, SIL can drive, but we worry that her car isn't up to the drive!
They took him to the nearest hospital at the time. The legal team was already paid for as part of their insurance!
We actually saw the other persons car today at the compound and were amazed that he was even able to drive away!
xxx

mutley muppet

29th May 2007, 23:53

OMG, how awful! What an evil, evil person to do that & just drive off!!! :mad2:

I'm so glad the police caught him. It really frightens me that there are idiots like this allowed to drive. :rant: .

Seeing the state of the car I can imagine how traumatising it must have been for everyone both physically & psychologically.

Hugs to everyone involved - I wish you all a speedy recovery:hug:

Mamzie

29th May 2007, 23:59

I would really talk to the legal team. Even to the extent of finding another if they are not easily obtainable.

The hire car I got for my car was actually for my hubby to drive me and the children around in even through he had his own (rubbish tip) car, as mine was our main car (6 weeks we had owned it). I was also incapable of driving due to injury and shock. Maybe they could sort something out for your SIL so she could take your MIL. You may even find out that they may cover the Taxi cost, and then claim it back.

It does sound like hiring a car may work out much cheaper through.

Cars frighten me now, as I never realised how they really crumpled until it happened, and to travel with the kids is really difficult as I am on hyper alert. I guess I always felt sorta safe in my tin box until...

ninja_ang

30th May 2007, 00:04

Ah Sorry to hear of your accident Mamzie, it is really hard to get over a trauma when it has affected you so badly, I hope that you will eventually be able to come to terms with it and start to feel more relaxed about being in the car, it must be really difficult for you, I saw what MIL was like when we took her to the hospital today. I imagine it makes going on journeys hard to think about!
Hugs for you too Mamzie!
xxxx

Jules_2005

30th May 2007, 00:16

omg Ninja, Sorry I've only just read this thread but huge :grouphug: to you and your family.

minxbobine

30th May 2007, 10:05

Ninja, just read this thread, hope that your family are ok now and fil is feeling better, your poor nephew, hope he recovers soon, the children must of been really frightened. hugs to you all.:)

mummyglass

30th May 2007, 16:47

I am sending you a huge hug and hope that all of you are doing well. I shuddered at the photos. those poor boys , my heart goes out to them. Take care all of you.

ninja_ang

30th May 2007, 20:16

FIL is out of hospital, Yeah!!!!
He has to go back for more operations, but at least he is at home and can start to get better in familiar surroundings!
xxxxxx

Gizmos

30th May 2007, 20:21

thats good news - well on the path to recovery - hope it all goes smoothly - best of wishes to him

Mamzie

30th May 2007, 20:25

fantastic news, I am so pleased for you all.

Everything looks better and feels better from your own home.

Ladyshopper

30th May 2007, 21:38

So sorry to hear what happened to your family. There are so many scumbags out there, I hope that chap gets what he deserves.

alibongo

30th May 2007, 21:47

Only just read this thread, so sorry to hear what happened to your family, I am really pleased everyone is on the path to recovery, makes you realise how precious life is, sending hugs your way.

tiger

30th May 2007, 23:42

Great that FIL is home now. It's much easier to rest and recover in your own home. Too much going on in hospital.

ninja_ang

31st May 2007, 08:02

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone that has sent hugs and best wishes, it is very much appreciated!
xxx

poshpretender

2nd June 2007, 23:29

just read this thread ninja ang

how awful.im glad police caught him.i wish your fil speedy recovery.

ninja_ang

2nd June 2007, 23:33

Thanks Posh, He's getting much better now that he is at home, the man is court at the beggining of July, just hope he gets a fitting punishment as Fil is going to be dis figured for life and all concerned will be mentally scarred!

SuzyWoo

3rd June 2007, 07:06

Ninja, I've missed all this. Just seen the pictures, and it must be a total relief after that your FIL is out of hospital after all that. Wishing you all the best.

zoot

3rd June 2007, 07:26

Really pleased you FIL is now home. How is MIL coping?
Big hugs to everyone.

Waterfall

3rd June 2007, 07:41

Have only just caught up with this thread. How truely awful for you all :grouphug: Those pictures are very scary :eek: . I think I heard of this on the radio the day it happened as we live nearish to the M4 at Slough. Those picture are shocking. So glad everyone is alive. Have a :hug: from us here. At least they have the driver so hopefully some justice will be done.

littleange_com

6th June 2007, 14:03

Big hugs from me too - glad everyone is ok

I had a minor accident one day driving home from work, someone pulled out turning right in front of me driving along at about 40mph, I had no chance of stopping in time, the front of my car (little saxo) hit the front of her car (convertable bmw), there was a teenage girl in the other car who cut her head open. Car was a right mess completely crumpled up at the front, hers didnt look too bad. I'm quite a nervous passenger now especially when people drive too close to the car infront (which most people seem to do) and get a bit jumpy when people do risky things when I'm driving

That was quite scary I dread to think what an accident on the motorway would be like, I can't beleive how many people don't leave the required space in front of them

There's no excuse for drink driving, I never drive even if I've only had one drink

There should be zero tolerance on drink driving, recently went to hungary and they have zero tolerance there - thought it was a great idea

Don't like it when people I know have a drink knowing full well they have to drive somewhere later :mad:

ninja_ang

6th June 2007, 17:16

I'm exactly of the same opinion as you littleange, I don't even have a single drink if I am going to drive, I just don't think that there is an excuse for it anymore, there are taxis, buses and trains to transport you, why risk ruining yours and other peoples lives?

Just to update you all, everyone is on the mend, FIL has been back to hospital for check ups and they say he is doing well. He seems really unhappy at the moment, we;re trying so hard to do as much as we can, but there is only so much we can do!

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes!
xxx

ninja_ang

28th April 2008, 21:02

zoot

28th April 2008, 21:06

hope your FIL manages to get compensation soon so he can get some sort of closure and move on. Big hugs. Zoot.

CrystalTips

28th April 2008, 21:07

Got off WAY too lightly. Hope FIL gets some good compensation, not that that will help with the scars etc.

CT xXx

NitWit

28th April 2008, 21:18

I know this was a long time ago, but thought I would give you all an update:
The drink driver that hit the inlaws was sentanced on Friday, he was charged with driving without due care and attention, failure to stop and failure to provide a breath sample at the roadside.

He recieved:
6 months suspended sentance x 2
120 hours community service
18 month driving ban (must take an advanced driving test to regain liscence)
Pay court costs of £1100.
He was also fined, but we don't know how much for!

Fil is doing ok, very badly scarred though! Still waiting on compensation, but he is coping!
xxx

I think this thread was before my time. I have just seen the pics and although what happened was terrible, I am sure your happy everyone got out alive.

Without opening a huge can of worms, I really do think we are way too light on people who commit crime. This drunk driver got off very lightly.
:mad:

ninja_ang

28th April 2008, 21:21

Yes, we are extremely happy everyone got out alive, luckily our first contact was from mil, so we knew straight away that everyone survived, it could have very easily been different.
We do believe that he got of lightly, but fil seems happy with it, and he is the person that needs to feel he can move on from it, hopefully this will allow him to do so!
xxx

maleficent_mum

28th April 2008, 21:23

OMG - I've not seen this thread before, how awful for you all. Glad to hear everyone has recovered. The sentence as seems to happen so often does not fit the crime, unless his attitude has radically changed I suspect not having a licence will make little difference to whether or not he drives :(

michelle111

28th April 2008, 21:38

this thread was way before i joined ....looking at those pictures you find it hard to believe four people got out of it alive ...i hope your family are all well and going from strength to strength....
i also find it hard to believe someone could just drive away from this!!
i think the sentence should have been tougher

clh53

28th April 2008, 21:48

just seen this thread, your family were really lucky not to have lost their lives.
as you say it is more important for your fil to move forward but i think the sentence was too lenient as he left the accident and showed no remorse. wishing you all the best.

ninja_ang

28th April 2008, 21:53

Thanks for all your comments, reps on their way!
xxx

Maldives

28th April 2008, 21:57

:hug: glad the family are recovering.....

sentence does not match the crime..

ninja_ang

28th April 2008, 22:05

Thanks Maldives, just hope his payout is going to be good enough as his head is really affecting his life in a bad way!
xxx

meemo38

28th April 2008, 22:25

Dont know how i didnt see this thread, but what a rubbish punishment, i wish they would come down harder on dangerous drivers, hope all the family are doing ok now.
Michelle

far canel

28th April 2008, 23:01

Once again a slap on the wrist, he proberly drove his car home, banned or not. Sentencing has got to be more harsh to provide a deterent to people like this.
As to the earlier post of leaving more space between you and the car in front, try and do this on the motorway and others will move in front of you causing you to to back for more space and again someone will move in front, etc & etc.

Unintended Muse

28th April 2008, 23:03

Looking at your pics brought back memories of an accident oh was in on his first day back to work after our dd was born. A driver had pulled into a slip road to turn off, then realised it was the wrongg exit and pulled straight back onto the bypass with out looking. He hit oh and the car rolled into a lorry at his side. As horrific as that sounds, it may well have saved him. Luckily an off duty pc was right behind the lorry and stopped to help.

OH came out with very minor injuries, which was a miracle as far as I am concerned, seeing the pics a few days later. The police was almost certain the owner of the car was the driver, but he claimed his car had been stolen from nearby while stopped with keys in ignition. There was not proof so no charges. At the time we were only 3rd party fire and theft so got only £100 through a special insurance fund.

This man had no compassion or the guts to own up to what he had done, but he almost left out dd without a daddy at just a few days old. The hands of the police are tied and sentences are far too lenient. Having been in an accident since then, caused by another driver, I know what far reaching effects they can have - I struggled to be a passenger full stop, much less on the motorway and every visit to my folks 170 miles away was therefore a nightmare. No amount of compensation can make up for the mental damage, much less physical injuries.

I am so glad to hear the your fil is recovering ok. x

Unintended Muse

28th April 2008, 23:08

[QUOTE=far canel;553469]Once again a slap on the wrist, he proberly drove his car home, banned or not. Sentencing has got to be more harsh to provide a deterent to people like this.
[B]As to the earlier post of leaving more space between you and the car in front, try and do this on the motorway and others will move in front of you causing you to to back for more space and again someone will move in front, etc & etc.[B]QUOTE]

This is very true. OH struggled to make me feel more secure on the motorway by leaving bigger gaps, but as stated, other drivers will fill those gaps without thought of safe distance. We were actually hit from behind as the motorway dropped from 4 lanes to 3 [yes, the infamous M25]. Traffic had stopped and luckily the van in front of us had just started to move off as we were hit, or we'd have been pushed into him. It was an accident that need not have happened, but yet again, no charges were brought against the driver at fault.

Unintended Muse

28th April 2008, 23:09

[QUOTE=far canel;553469]Once again a slap on the wrist, he proberly drove his car home, banned or not. Sentencing has got to be more harsh to provide a deterent to people like this.
As to the earlier post of leaving more space between you and the car in front, try and do this on the motorway and others will move in front of you causing you to to back for more space and again someone will move in front, etc & etc.QUOTE]

This is very true. OH struggled to make me feel more secure on the motorway by leaving bigger gaps, but as stated, other drivers will fill those gaps without thought of safe distance. We were actually hit from behind as the motorway dropped from 4 lanes to 3 [yes, the infamous M25]. Traffic had stopped and luckily the van in front of us had just started to move off as we were hit, or we'd have been pushed into him. It was an accident that need not have happened, but yet again, no charges were brought against the driver at fault.

99redballs

28th April 2008, 23:11

I know this was a long time ago, but thought I would give you all an update:
The drink driver that hit the inlaws was sentanced on Friday, he was charged with driving without due care and attention, failure to stop and failure to provide a breath sample at the roadside.

He recieved:
6 months suspended sentance x 2
120 hours community service
18 month driving ban (must take an advanced driving test to regain liscence)
Pay court costs of £1100.
He was also fined, but we don't know how much for!

Fil is doing ok, very badly scarred though! Still waiting on compensation, but he is coping!
xxx
PRACTICALLY a slap on the wrist, where's the deterrent?
bring on public flogging and lethal injection!
vote 99redballs in the local elections!!!:D

far canel

28th April 2008, 23:16

PRACTICALLY a slap on the wrist, where's the deterrent?
bring on public flogging and lethal injection!
vote 99redballs in the local elections!!!:D

I'm sure channel 5 will show them

Beccah

29th April 2008, 00:00

That " sentance "is such a disgusting insult to your family Ninja_ang. You have to wonder what on earth will stop these idiots from getting drunk and driving, if there is absolutely no legal deterent. I'm so glad that everyone is recovering well and are able to get on with their lives, they're all so couragous!

M3chanical_animal

29th April 2008, 00:52

Ninja_ang this is awful - those pictures sent a chill down my spine.

I hope all recover quickly - not just physically but mentally as well.

Addy

29th April 2008, 01:57

Unbelievably lenient sentence, absolutely no deterrent. What kind of message does it send out? I think your FIL appears to be a very forgiving and magnanimous man Ang, not sure I'd be able to feel that way.

Darkangel709

29th April 2008, 09:18

I have only just read this thread and its extremely frightening. I am just glad that everyone was ok ifswim that they didnt lose their lives. I use to m.way quite a bit to get to oh's and g.parents etc. I must admit i have been very lucky avoiding accidents on the m.ways as must have a guardian angel watching over us. I hope that your fil improves and everone else too. Bout time they threw the flipping book at drunk drivers! I cannot put what i really think other wise would be loads of ****** and would get banned. I hope that in time and it will take some time to get over and recover that they will start to be able to enjoy going out again in the car. Love and hugs go to you and all your family, sorry for waffling....xxxxx

mum1964

29th April 2008, 09:31

He recieved:
6 months suspended sentance x 2
120 hours community service
18 month driving ban (must take an advanced driving test to regain liscence)
Pay court costs of £1100.
He was also fined, but we don't know how much for!

OMG
Thats so leinant. We have been involved in a court case which finished yesterday, owner had dangerous dog which attacked my son, Judge was great, thought at one stage he was going to hang the bloke.
Despite the fact the guy pleaded guilty he got 150 hours community service, banning order for keeping dogs for 3 years, plus ordered to pay nearly 5k in compo. Also dog was finally destroyed after 9 months. Dog was described as a dangerous weapon.

The sentance this driver recived is peanuts. I feel I got justice big time, your paulty result makes me so angry. In the hands of a drunk a car is a leathal weapon. Hope you are all on the mend. The outcome does not really help though.Wishing you and yours all the best.

ninja_ang

29th April 2008, 09:54

I am all repped out, but will get round to saying thanks eventually!
We do feel it was very lenient, and in one respect I hope he does drive illegally and get caught because he will then go to prison, just hope he doesn't hurt anyone else!
Thanks for all your comments, support is fab on pts!
xxxx

ninja_ang

19th March 2009, 18:35

Hi all, just an update on a very old thread, fil got his compensation pay out last month, he is happy with the outcome, it means they can pay off the part of their mortgage that would have been outstanding from an endowment shortfall.
This will be a really good thing for him as since the accident he has not been the same and if it helps him to give up work early then it will be better for him.
Our nephews are in court next week to get their compensation that is going to be put into a trust fund for them!
Anyway, that was all, just wanted to fill everyone in!
xxxx