Need advice on car damage from tree cutters

Lsonni3e on 09/10/2020 - 19:30
Last edited 09/10/2020 - 20:19

Hi, I need advice on what to do from here

My car was parked on the road just outside my work (warehouse). The warehouse next door hired two guys to cut some branches off a tree that's 3-4 metres in front of my car. Without my permission or common sense these guys placed a wooden pallet on top of the bonnet. Apparently their boss gave them the OK to place the pallet on my car. My bonnet and front bar sustained some minor damages from the pallet and a massive branch falling on it. They were very rude and refused to co-operate when they were confronted by my boss and colleague (I wasn't there at that time). They sped off just as the police arrived. The police couldn’t do much since there were no major damages to my car. I have the tradies’ business details, rego of their truck & van and video footage of the pallet and branch falling down.
My car only has 3rd party insurance.

What are my options from here?

Thanks in advance

Automotive

Comments

  • apsilon on 09/10/2020 - 19:35

    If you don't have insurance and the tree guys clearly aren't going to cooperate then solicitor is the only choice.

  • thatonethere on 09/10/2020 - 19:42
    +14

    Get a few quotes and then send a letter of demand for the amount. They are probably not insured for what they did.

    Small claims court will be next.

    No need for lawyers if you are calm and collected and keep good records.

    • sonni3e on 09/10/2020 - 20:31

      I was thinking of doing this, thanks for the clarification

    • abobo on 09/10/2020 - 23:34
      +5

      Quote: "The warehouse next door hired two guys to cut some branches off a tree…"
      If your assertion is correct, you should also send a letter of demand to the warehouse who hired them. You have the choice of claiming from the warehouse or the two guys or both the warehouse & the 2 guys collectively.

  • nubzy on 09/10/2020 - 19:55
    +10

    Wtf? What is with tree loppers, they all seem to be bogan dropkicks in my experience. Who puts a pallet on someone elses car.. you NEVER touch someone elses car without permission. Don't let them get away with it, take them to court if you have to.

    • buckethat on 09/10/2020 - 20:11

      those pesky bogan dropkicks

    • sonni3e on 09/10/2020 - 20:30
      -2

      One of the tradies got offended when we asked them what's this scratch on the car and he asked how much cash. We didn't want his dirty money.

      • robbyjones on 09/10/2020 - 21:02

        Are you for real?

        • sonni3e on 09/10/2020 - 21:08
          +1

          It probably sounds different here in text but they were laughing their heads off with the biggest attitude and obviously he was being sarcastic about it. Also we waiting for the police to arrive to sort this out.

      • Eeples on 09/10/2020 - 22:52
        +2

        Yes, you do want his dirty money.

      • Greihawk on 10/10/2020 - 16:29

        Stop calling them tradies, there is no treecutting trade.

        • apsilon on 10/10/2020 - 16:51
          +1

          These guys, no doubt they're not, but arborists may disagree.

        • whooah1979 on 10/10/2020 - 16:56

          Arborists require a minimum of a certificate 3 in arboriculture.

          But you’re the technically right that there is no such thing as “treecutting trade”.

  • JIMB0 on 09/10/2020 - 20:02
    +1

    You could try approaching the warehouse who hired them. Are you sure they weren't working for the council?

    • sonni3e on 09/10/2020 - 20:24

      Was able to have a quick word with them before they left and they did hire them. According to my colleagues, at least one of them were recording the event since my car's alarm had been going off that whole time.

  • whooah1979 on 09/10/2020 - 21:41
    +4

    video footage of the pallet and branch falling down.

    Please upload the vid. This could be priceless.

  • Nutrino on 10/10/2020 - 06:23

    Vid, or it didnt happen

  • Aust on 10/10/2020 - 09:03

    Hopefully they have public liability insurance you can get them to claim against.

  • spersephone on 10/10/2020 - 12:47

    Unfortunately, your insurance gives you no coverage in this situation. I've been in a similar situation where my third party, fire and theft did not cover someone breaking into my car, smashing it up, and leaving the car as is, without moving it. That made me very upset and I've never had any other insurance but full comprehensive since then.

    You will have to chase them through a small claims tribunal. To do this you will probably need to get your car fixed, keep all receipts and footage/photos and eventually you should be reimbursed.

  • dasher86 on 10/10/2020 - 22:32
    +1

    I'd go after the warehouse next door as it would be easier and more likely to get your damages covered by them. They can't really run away from their own warehouse. Let them chase the tree cutters for money. They may have not paid the invoice yet so may have chances in deducting damages from their invoice.

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