Had an accident, it turns out I'm not insured, it wasn't my fault

Asbo1the1great

Hi all,

I'm after some advice on what to do. A while back I had a scrape. I was exiting a private car park when I decided I needed to go back into the car park. I drive a big van and cannot see anything that can't see my wing mirrors. I checked both mirrors and could see nothing so I started reversing and smashed into the front of a car that had stopped right up my rear end. We exchanged details and to my horror I got home and realised I was uninsured. I have received a letter from their insurance company stating that they think its my fault and that, unless they hear from my insurer within 14 days, they will file for legal proceedings. What should I do? As I see it I am not at fault here but I have buried my head in the sand for a while on this one because of other serious money pressures. It has just gotten too much and I freaked out and ignored it. Stupid!

Kind regards C

rs65

Asbo1the1great wrote: »

so I started reversing and smashed into the front of a car that had stopped right up my rear end.

Sounds like you are at fault. How much are they looking for - could you agree instalments with them?

Retrogamer

You couldn't see if it was clear behind you, so you assumed it was, reversed and crashed into someone who had stopped behind you

Struggling to see how that's anyone's fault but your own. It might not have been wise for the car to sit in the van's blindspot but as you're the one that's reversing the responsibility is yours to make sure you don't drive into objects when carrying out your maneuver.

Sorry to say, but i think you best prepare yourself for an expensive experience. Especially if they claim for hire car & personal injury.

Asbo1the1great

£2600. I haven't spoken to them yet. That may be an option

Asbo1the1great

Well by that logic I would never reverse. I drive a vehicle that has no rear view mirror or rear window. I didn't just say 'Sod it it's probably fine'. My mirrors were clear so, evidently, they were way too close

huckster

Why were you not Insured ? Given it is a legal requirement, admitting to having an accident while being uninsured might lead to a visit by Police if reported.

You could suggest that it was a 50/50 accident as their car was moving, not stationary and ask them to provide evidence to the contrary e.g video footage or independent witness statements. The other Insurance company might not pursue it beyond a 50/50, if they don't have evidence to support their Policyholder being 100% not at fault.

Quentin

You say you have "money pressure"

If this means that you cannot pay any sum ordered by the court then put the insurer in the picture.

Insurers won't want to throw good money after bad as they have to initially pay the court fees in a case. If they win then the loser has to pay on top of any other​ sum claimed.

But if you can pay as advised in #2 then make a realistic offer (assuming you get advised by an expert in these matters you will lose in court!)

Asbo1the1great

as their car was moving, not stationary

Their car wasn't moving as far as I know. It had stopped behind me.

Asbo1the1great

OK thanks for your response. I don't follow a lot of what you said. What do you mean by put the insurer in the picture?

Asbo1the1great

I wasn't insured because I missed the email correspondence stating that my policy had been cancelled. Totally my fault but an unintentional oversight

Quentin

Let them know about your money pressure ( if it means that you can't pay them even if they take you to court and win)