Unusual Accident - Fault

GDB2222

Perhaps, it would be more helpful for the OP to concentrate on what lessons can be learned from this.

Start by accepting that other drivers do drive badly sometimes. In this case, the van driver certainly did. However, it's not his Insurance premiums going up as a result. In fact, it's quite lucky nobody was really badly hurt in this case.

So, adjust your driving style to allow more room for others' poor driving, perhaps? Even if you are not liable, waking up in hospital is no joke.

ProseccoGirl

I've been on the wrong end of an accident like this. I'd stopped, (with ABS flashing and about a foot to spare) when the traffic on a duel-carriageway came to an abrupt halt, but the lady behind me didn't!! Luckily as it was busy (rush-hour) we were only doing about 35-40mph.

Insurance wise it all got sorted, and fully claimed off her, but it's left a legacy in that I am now hyper conscious of being followed too close, and I now know that I need to leave LOTS of space between me and the car in front. It can all go wrong so quickly!

I still come out in a cold sweat when I think that I was lucky it was only a small hatchback that hit me, not a lorry or a large 4x4. It could have been so much worse.

So lets all leave big gaps to the vehicle in front, if someone "steals" it, back off and make the gap again. You're not "going backwards" by doing this, even if you feel you are, you're still moving forwards.