Can I Sue After Getting Trapped In A Car Wash (Through No Fault Of My Own)

[kzdutchie]

Can I sue after getting trapped in a car wash, I followed all instructions as given but was stuck, no one came to my assistance and I remained stuck shouting for help. I could not get out of the vehicle as the machine was still active. I called the car wash provider but no-one answered the phone. Eventually I got through to a family member who notified staff. Since this happened I have not been sleeping or eating properly. I get paranoid about getting locked in places and feel trapped in tight places. I have not been able to look at a car wash since

[boxtops]

If you feel you have a case worth pursuing for your suffering being locked in the car wash, you would have to be able to prove that the cas wash provider was negligent in some way, or that the equipment was defective. If you want to go down that route, your best bet would be to contact one of those non win, no fee, claims solicitors. How long ago did this happen?

[boxtops]

I don't understand either what happened - you have to stay in the car while the thing's whooshing along. At what point were you stuck?

[Canary42]

You should try one or more of the no win no fee advertisers - they will answer your question.

[boxtops]

Personally, I've only been in a car wash once, which is why I ask the question - I don't remember how it works once you put your money in the slot. I know the car moves forward and/or the machinery takes over....

[EcclesCake]

How long were you stuck in the car wash for?

[Tilly2]

Did the machine just keep washing and re washing your car?

[mazie]

If the machine was still active it means it had'nt finished its cycle. How long were you in there for?

[Tilly2]

Why didn't you get out of the car whilst the brushes were doing the back window?

[kzdutchie]

13/12/2013 -- 18:15

I entered the machine and it began to wash the car. It stopped after about 30 seconds. I have used the machine before so I am fully aware that it should not have stopped at this point. I waited a couple of minutes but nothing was happening. I started to reverse back but the machine instructed me to move forward. I drove forward and the machine told me to stop.

If I disobeyed these instructions the car insurance/ car wash owner could claim I acted against instruction making me liable for damage to the car damage. If I got out and it started back up I could get injured.

I honked the harm and flashed my lights repeatedly but neither staff or customers came to my assistance. | phone them but they would not answer the phone.

The fact no one came to my assistance made it worse because if I attempted to walk out and became injured no one would know.

[mazie]

So how long were you in there for?

[kzdutchie]

I was stuck for half an hour on Friday 13th December, it was like a horror film, they made me feel at ease afterwards by telling me that no one checks the car wash and that if my relative had not come along they would not have known until 11pm. (I entered at 18:15)

[Mamyalynne]

What explanations were given by the staff at the time, did they record the incident in an accident/incident book. Did you take photos? Any witnesses?

[Mamyalynne]

//they made me feel at ease afterwards by telling me that no one checks the car wash//

That would have made me most uneasy.

[sherrardk]

You wouldn't have been left there over night, at some stage one of the other customers would have noticed that the queue wasn't moving.

[kzdutchie]

It has been recorded and is under investigation, I wrote a letter of complaint almost 3 weeks ago but they have not responded. In the mean time they have opened the car wash and I am worried someone else might get trapped. The member of staff admitted they have received no training, their is no emergency procedure and they have no way of knowing if someone is in trouble.

[Mamyalynne]

Contact your local Council and enquire whether this is one for Trading Standards or the HSE.

[kzdutchie]

@ Sherradk It was Friday 13th December, not many people wash their car on that day, I guess I was unlucky, who would have thought it!

[jomifl]

With the car was I use you have to get out when the car is in position then pay. You get back in when it has finished.
Could you not open the door and get out?

[Tilly2]

Why would the date put people off washing their cars? It didn't put you off, kzd.