Job Discussion Forums

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Hi,

I was in a head-on scooter accident last weekend resulting in a broken collar bone and concussion etc to me and injuries to the other person. It would appear it was my fault as my friends found me unconscious on the wrong side of the road, but as I can not remember a single thing about it - I don't know. All I remember is waking up in hospital.

The police very kindly gave my mobile number to the other guy involved, so I have been receiving some broken English abusive phone calls. I think the general purpose being to get money out of me.

I was driving without a licence (bad I know, but no-one I know here actually HAS one in Chiayi).

It was 5 days ago and I have not heard from the police.. though they rang my school when it happened... Just the other guy.

Where do I go from here?

Please note, I feel HORRIBLE that I may have hurt someone else, and am just glad he is ok, but as I can not remember anything, I don't want to say anymore you know? I am waiting until I feel a bit better and then I'll contact him with a translator. Until then, I am pretty stressed about a 45,000 NT fine I have heard about for driving w/out a licence.

Any advice welcome.

I_is_teach_English · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 44 Location: Taiwan

Did it happen in the middle of town? Are there any major intersections or buildings nearby with CCTV from which you can find out exactly what happened?

Unfortunately, if you don't have a license, you are legally automatically in the wrong. Even if you were on the right side of the road and he ploughed into you, you would still be in the wrong because you don't have a license. Sorry, if this sounds like doom and gloom, but it's the way it works. It might be worth checking that he is all legal as well as far as license, insurance etc is concerned. He may also not be so kosher and maybe the police gave him your cell number and told him to sort it out himself - who knows? If you find out it is your fault (or even if it isn't), it may be worth paying him some money just to get rid of the problem.

I am truly sorry that this has happened to you, but I hope that you and many others learn from this experience and make the trip to the DMV to do the test. It was a similar situation that happened to a work colleague of mine that got me there, having ridden around illegally for six months.

I wish you the best of luck in sorting this out and hope your injuries get better soon.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Taiwan is a jungle of scooter riders, and chances of an accident are quite high if you are on the Island long enough.

A fellow student at Providence University, Taichung, died recently in a head on crash in Taichung, and every year, ghost meets many, many foreigners, and Taiwanese alike, who have had accidents, some resulting in permanent disability, and others in death, like the fellow Chinese Language student at Providence University.

Some ghost tips:

1. If you need to ride a scooter in Taiwan, explore all the ``side road`` opportunities that are available. Most people going from A to B take the main road, but with a little exploration, you will discover that there are many side roads which are much lighter in traffic. Ghost always took these.

2. Wear a good helmet....not one of those plastic pieces of crap that pass for helmets. You will be thankful of the investment if/when you have an accident.

3. At night wear bright reflective clothing.....and and make sure the lights are on. Ghost witnessed too many Taiwanese riding without lights at dusk.

4. Try to avoid peak traffic times, if at all possible, and those times when people are coming out of Buxibans, or when they set up the night markets etc.....schedule...schedule.

5. On crazy weather days.....don`t take the scooter. Ride the bus, even if it takes longer.

Note: Ghost possessed both a scooter and mountain bike in Taiwan, but rode the mountain bike most of the time, going about 20 km a day to get to Providence University and to the Buxiban job.

Ghost

BigWally · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:52 pm Post subject:

here's to the road to recovery (no pun intended)

get well soon, hope everything works out for you

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

Okay:

Go get your driver's license ASAP. Nothing easier if you take the online practice test a few times.

Get a local to help you out with the details, but if the other guy tries to sue you, go all the way with it. Counter sue as well. Make sure it gets to a judge.

There is a 6 month moratorium on launching an action.

Record time, date and nature of all threatening calls.

How do I know all this?

I hit a double parked taxi from behind. I had no DL.

I won a 75% settlement of $90K for a broken elbow.

I never expected a dime. I turned the entire case over to a friend who was interested in pursuing it on my behalf. Try a law student. Offer some English classes in exchange for their help. If you speak Chinese, I could ask my brother-in-law to help you. You said you were in ChiaYi right?

Speedy recovery man. It'll all work out. Taiwan is strangely experienced in the ways of traffic accidents. Twisted Evil

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

Hi Finn76,
Strongly suggest you also post here:

http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/viewforum.php?f=75

altaiwan · Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Posts: 6

can you get a scooter licence even if you never had a licence back in your country?

I_is_teach_English · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 44 Location: Taiwan

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Thanks everyone.

Well, the head injuries seem to be healing finally (not joking) and the blood condition has going thank GOD! Luckily, the broken collar bone is not too painful.

What is REALLY fucking me off is the fact that my school - Universe American Language School in Chiayi, fired me a week after the accident because I was in and out of hospital and couldn't work. Not only that, but my BITCH of a boss, rand the police and spun a HUGE LIE and told them I am leaving the country without paying my 45,000NT fine. So I got a call today from the cops saying they 'knew' I was going to leave the country and had spoken to the airport!

So much for support... Like, I am fully aware it was my fault etc, and I am willing to deal with the consequences, but I find it really hard to swallow when my former boss is doing whatever she can to make it worse - like lying to the police and telling them I quit and don't want their help....

Stressed is not the word.