I hit a car today....need opinions

**KATWYN** · 7th February 2007, 16:28

Who's in the right and whos in the wrong.......

Heres the scenario.

At a stop sign sitting behind said car (on my bike). I always leave a bit of room in front....

I wanted to turn left so I was Looking to my right at traffic coming down the hill......heaps of time to go....for me AND said car in front of me

Said car takes off to go, then obviously changes their mind....then brakes.... ....Katwyn never saw that part

I had already taken off (carrying on looking to my right),all of a sudden a big black piece of shit is in front on me

so instead of hitting its boot I swerved to the right side swiping the back and rear door panels (but not the boot)...but managed to stay upright

I said to the driver "Why did'nt you go then?" they said there was traffic coming...they say the crash was my fault

Any traffic cops have any thoughts on this?

**Mole_C** · 7th February 2007, 16:31

Happened to my mum and my mate. Sadly the other driver may be an idiot but your still at fault

Sorry.

**Karma** · 7th February 2007, 16:32

I'm not a traffic cop, but it's your fault.

Hit anyone from behind, unless they are braking dangerously, and it's your fault.

**Toaster** · 7th February 2007, 16:33

As far as I am aware, there is no defence for hitting another vehicle that makes a sudden stop in front of ya. It is a requirement all drivers/rider must be able to stop short of any sudden stop by a vehicle in front.

**mstriumph** · 7th February 2007, 16:33

if it were aus. t'would be your 'fault'

sorry

are you OK? ..... bike OK? - speak or we'll worry!

**The_Dover** · 7th February 2007, 16:36

in my opinion it's a bad idea to hit cars.

it can hurt.

**kiwifruit** · 7th February 2007, 16:37

same thing happened to me.
i was in the car in front.
the car that hit me was a police officer, in uniform, in his private car.
he bought me a new car.

**KATWYN** · 7th February 2007, 16:37

Originally Posted by Weasel

Hit anyone from behind, unless they are braking dangerously, and it's your fault.

The thing is I never hit them from behind....I ended up side swiping em. I spose i'm being a bush lawyer.

**KATWYN** · 7th February 2007, 16:39

Originally Posted by mstriumph

if it were aus. t'would be your 'fault'

sorry

are you OK? ..... bike OK? - speak or we'll worry!

Cheer MS, i'm fine, bikes fine. Cars not as fine as it was prior to
me engaging with it - not too bad tho.

The main thing is I can still ride with the gals on Saturday!

**Colapop** · 7th February 2007, 16:39

After getting a letter from the insurance company (the twat that pulled infront of me) today accusing me of the accident I had - never admit any liability at all. Even if you were at fault. That is from the insurance company (his). Too bad if they're being a dick and trying f*ck you over and get you to pay. You are not legally obliged to give them any information at all.

DO NOT GIVE ANY INDICATION OF LIABILITY.
Regardless of blame - the insurance companies will fight it out.

**Karma** · 7th February 2007, 16:40

Originally Posted by KATWYN

The thing is I never hit them from behind....I ended up side swiping em. I spose i'm being a bush lawyer.

Then it's an illegal overtaking maneauver.

**crashe** · 7th February 2007, 16:41

Sorry, but its your fault...... you hit the other car from behind.

Hope there wasn't too much damage done to the other car.
If its alot let your insurance company deal with it all.

Were any cops involved inthis incident....?
If yes you may end up with a wee fine as well.
If no.... goodie...... insurance company will take your access and pay to fix the other car.

This happened to me once when I was driving me old car..... a dude in a car hit me from behind at Greenlane motorway on-ramp. He too thought I had moved on.... but I had to stop suddenly as a car was speeding throu the round-a-bout... and I didnt want to be hit side on.

A shunt from behind can cause whiplash to the person in front.

Never assume the person in front has gone unless you make absolutely sure they have gone.

EDIT: errrrrr just reread what you wrote.
You were on your bike....
again you are technically at fault...
In my bin last year I clipped the edge of the right rear of the car...... repair damage to the car was $2,124 ...... so expect a high bill.

The cops told me technically cos I was behind the car I was at fault..... but recieved no charge against me.

**Patrick** · 7th February 2007, 16:45

Wot they all sed... You naughty, Katwyn...

**avgas** · 7th February 2007, 16:46

Originally Posted by Colapop

After getting a letter from the insurance company (the twat that pulled infront of me) today accusing me of the accident I had - never admit any liability at all. Even if you were at fault. That is from the insurance company (his). Too bad if they're being a dick and trying f*ck you over and get you to pay. You are not legally obliged to give them any information at all.

DO NOT GIVE ANY INDICATION OF LIABILITY.
Regardless of blame - the insurance companies will fight it out.

Yeh had the same guy that admitted at the scene to the cops, then said it was my fault when it came to the insurance. Insurance company rung up and hassled me to try and get me to admit fault. Told them to get fucked over the phone - then said if i didnt get my money soon i was gonna sue. They then asked for evidence as to why their client wasnt in the right - i told them that he got charged with dangerous driving for the matter and they shut up quick.