Hi everyone,
Hoping for some insight from the OzB legal minds and armchair insurers out there.
I was involved in a collision earlier this week. I was driving along a suburban road with Black Kid's "Hurricane Jane" playing on the stereo — definitely not speeding, although I was making good time (some might call it “spirited” driving, but still legal). Conditions were light rain and traffic was light.
As I approached a car dealership, a vehicle exited their driveway — fairly abruptly — and I struck the rear driver’s side of their car. There were two women in the vehicle. From what I understand, they aren’t denying responsibility, which is… refreshing.
That said, my car has been written off. Meanwhile, theirs seems to have walked away with panel damage and two shaken passengers.
Now I know the golden rule is that cars entering from private property must give way to all traffic, but I’m curious:
Does it still count as their fault if I hit their rear quarter panel?
Could my “enthusiastic” approach speed be used against me, even though it was under the posted limit (allegedly)?
Should I be concerned that her insurer hasn’t denied fault, but mine still sounds suspiciously quiet?
Not looking to argue — just trying to get a sense of whether this is a slam dunk or if I’m about to be politely blamed by my own insurance for “contributing factors.”
Thanks in advance.
Have provided one better than the usual MS Paint diagram:
https://imgur.com/a/fw6sQg9
Was their car brand new?? If so.. damn that would suck