Am I The Asshole?

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/22/2020 at 22:19 • Filed to: None

On the way home from the track, I had what I would call an “incident” where a racer towing his car passed me at 25mph (55 in a 30) over the speed limit (construction zone) and then merged (cut) in front of me. The road was semi-paved and I had a TON of rock strikes.

It does look like my cars a little worse for wear. But noting I would die over. That being said, it is a covered claim and I know who the third party is.

I’ve opened a loss with my insurer (whether or not I will follow through on it or not, who knows) and notified the racer that he was responsible and I or my insurer (or both) will look to him for the damages. He was LIVID with me, but....I love my car.

What say you Oppo...overreaction? This car is pretty much flawless otherwise which, after 6 years and 120,000km (and Ford paint!) I consider pretty damn good.

DISCUSSION (39)

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:01

I don’t think you’re the asshole, guy is just mad that his actions have repercussions this one time.

Nick Has an Exocet > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:05

I think if you’re going to be like this, g et protection film and just avoid this situation.

I consider the front end paint sacrificial unless you clear film it.

I had a similar situation on a rally but the rocks came off my car. I got pointed by to pass a fellow rally goer. I passed. A couple miles later, we passed a sign that said “Increase follow distance, loose surface ” or something along those lines. He didn’t and paid the price with an entire windshield. I felt bad since I was in the Exocet - not running fenders - but follow distance is the responsibility of the following car.

koawaft1 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:05

I see it as punishment for reckless driving in a construction zone. Rocks are going to happen. But speeding like that with a trailer it could have been worse.

bison78 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:06

General rule of thumb is that the answer to “am I the asshole” is yes, but I think this is an exception.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Nick Has an Exocet
08/23/2020 at 00:08

but follow distance is the responsibility of the following car.

Totally agree, but in this case I was passed and then he merged in front, while in a construction zone

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:08

On the base of it, I’d call you the asshole, because hey, rock chips happen. However, considering he was speeding in a construction zone and passed you (passing zone?), then cut you off... yeah that’s a bit above and beyond expected wear and tear. I probably would’ve suggested speaking with him before filing the claim, but regardless, he’s the asshole in this case.

fintail > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:09

Get that dashcam set up for next time.

Did the jerk try to explain his actions, or is this another one of those living in a void of accountability?

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:09

G etting mad when asked to be responsible for one’s actions is the mark of an asshole.

There’s only one asshole here that I can find in this situation , and it ain’t you.

sony1492 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:10

If the chips are directly from him merging in front of you then fair game, if they are the result of you driving behind him after said merge then its your fault for not putting your car at a safe distance.

Its a bit Petty in my book since this is a ford fiesta not anything rare or of exceptional financial value.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB
08/23/2020 at 00:12

I did reach out to him, but I always file claims. ICBC has the infrastructure to recover funds, I don’t. Comprehensive claims don’t affect my rates.

ranwhenparked > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:12

No, there are a number of reasons for reduced speed limits in construction zones - worker safety is the main one, but damage to vehicles from the rough road surface is another consideration. Your damage is entirely due to his bad driving and failure to follow the rules, people need to be held responsible for their actions.

If I wanted to be an asshole, though, I’d point out that your paint would have chipped almost as badly if you had left it in the garage under a soft car cover, because Ford.

dumpsterfire! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:12

Sucks that your paint took a beating, but unless the rocks were falling off his trailer, I don't think he's truly at fault. He might have been driving like an idiot, but it seems more of a road quality issue? I don't know, tough call. Just my $0.02.

Nick Has an Exocet > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:13

Yeah, I’d be livid with you too ;) It’s not like merging is illegal.

I do my best not to get litigious or ruffle any feathers with the local car people. The community is more important. Treat others and all that.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > fintail
08/23/2020 at 00:13

He just said “it happens” and that he was speeding because he was towing and needed to get up the hill that was coming.

About the cutting off he said “I used my signal”.

I did report the aggressive driving to the clerk of the course. We are mandated to drive respectfully to/from the track.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Nick Has an Exocet
08/23/2020 at 00:16

Passed at nearly double the limit in an active construction zone?

I’m all for speeding, trust me (well, trust the local constabulary). But there’s a bit of speed and driving dangerously

fintail > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:17

Yeah, sounds like he’s the real asshole. It also “happens” that people file insurance claims against entitled shitheads.

Would be great to public shame with the dashcam, hint.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > sony1492
08/23/2020 at 00:17

I agree, but, it is a great paint colour and to me has value

NKato > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:21

Not an overreaction. He could’ve just merged in behind you instead of speeding and overtaking. Jesus, that’s a LOT of rock damage. If he did that to my car, I would be ready to force him off the road.

Nick Has an Exocet > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:22

I guess but that’s kind of circumstantial .

gettingoldercarguy > Nick Has an Exocet
08/23/2020 at 00:22

I agree, if you’re unaware that you’re going to throw up rocks and screw up somebody’s car, get ready to deal with the consequences. Personal responsibility and all that.

Things happen, that’s why we have insurance. I don’t really see this any different then somebody backing into a car in a parking lot, then getting upset because they don’t see the damage the they caused and you file a claim/police report.

gettingoldercarguy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:23

Nope, you did good.

facw > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:23

I tend to think “this s o rt of thing happens with cars” and quite possibly would have happened even if he had not been speeding. I think you are fine to put in a claim, but it seems difficult to show that it was definitely his fault.

NKato > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:25

I got protection film for the Queen, and it’s already paid for itself. Except for one spot where there wasn’t coverage, and the rock hit it perfectly in a 3mm gap. (fuck)

That said, once all the paint is fixed, find a shop that is a certified XPEL installer, and get them to wrap your entire car. Usually should cost $3,000 — and will pay for itself in a few months.

The clear wrap also makes it a LOT easier to clean up the car, and you don’t even need to wax it! (That’s the best part)

pip bip - choose Corrour > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:26

no you’re not the arsehole

the other party clearly is.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > ranwhenparked
08/23/2020 at 00:37

Oof.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
08/23/2020 at 00:37

Agreed.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:45

I haven't seen that much rock damage from a single incident since that one time I drove vaguely near a dump truck. That's an unacceptable level of rock damage.

Nick Has an Exocet > gettingoldercarguy
08/23/2020 at 00:45

I have never once in my life considered filing a claim for rock chips. That’s what paint protection film is for - especially if you’re driving a Ferd.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 00:46

Normally I’d say, “How can you be sure those blemishes were caused by the single incident?”

But you are insane, which is why I believe you.

gettingoldercarguy > Nick Has an Exocet
08/23/2020 at 00:58

Glad to hear you disagree with Ron Paul finally

CB > ranwhenparked
08/23/2020 at 01:36

Owned a Fiesta with paint like the surface of the moon, can confirm.

ranwhenparked > CB
08/23/2020 at 02:00

My Mustang was the only car I've ever had where I kept the touch up paint pen in the center console and would use it almost every time I drove the thing.

Cash Rewards > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 07:27

Yeah, you’re in the right here. This is something they are huge on where i autocross, since it's in the parking lot of a football stadium and surrounded by a residential neighborhood. Do Not Drive Like an Asshole Leaving the Lot. He did, and damaged your car? Then he's the asshole. I'd have said maybe contact him first for reimbursement before insurance, but I think his response shows you how that conversation would have gone.

Sovande > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 07:29

All those rocks and those lights made it out okay? Seems like they would be the first things to go.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Sovande
08/23/2020 at 10:32

They're pretty durable

Sovande > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/23/2020 at 11:24

Sorry about your paint. I remember when my C30 got a small , hard to fix dent on the A pillar and it irritated the shit out of me. It would have made me more annoyed had someone been directly responsible such as in your case.

My initial response was that you were a bit over the top with your response, but after thinking about it, I get it.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Sovande
08/23/2020 at 11:57

My lights have lived through worse with no permanent damage

Kinja'd!!!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CB
08/23/2020 at 11:59

Mine was chipped by the time I made it home from the lot.

MonkeePuzzle > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/24/2020 at 10:51

well at least one of the rock chips you circled also exists in this pic.

I suspect your insurance company would be interested in some proof of the event and that these chips are all new and caused by the event.

If you don’t have a dashcam I’ll bet you are SOL