hit from the rear while reversing

[jimmyhoops]

my partner was hit from the rear while reversing out of a parking space ,surely if your reverse light is on the other driver should be at fault is this right?

[Cockney_si]

This is tricky as lots of drivers reverse without looking.

Unless you have a ford focus, in which case most of them have the reverse lights on the bottom of the bumper and you can't actually see them (lights) when they are reversing.

[Twenty20]

So, because a reversing light is on everyone should keep out of the way? Do you think it somehow gives you priority? If youre going to reverse out of a space, or indeed drive out forwards, make sure your path is clear first.

Would you use the same excuse if you had reversed into a pedestrian and run them over? I don't think so. Look and make sure your exit is clear before pulling out.

[TEAK36]

I would be amazed that this would be the fault of anyone other than your partner.

Regardless of whether your partner was going forwards or reversing, it think it would be the responsibility of them to ensure that the road was clear before they pulled out into the path of an already moving car.

[jimmyhoops]

when was the last time a pedestrian ran into the back of your car then ? it was in a cul de sac and there was absolutly no reason for the guy to be driving towards the back of the car unless his car was already damaged and is now trying his luck ,

[Toureman]

No it's not your partners fault, if you want to turn right across on coming traffic just put your indicator on and go for it, if the oncoming drivers are alert they might be able to stop in time.

After all you did indicate!

[4candles]

Depends, IMHO. If one was moving and the other stationary, the moving one would be at fault. If both were moving - 50/50.

[Ethel]

Your partner is at fault, without a doubt.

He reversed into oncoming traffic.

[treacle-tart]

Hi - I am a driving instructor and when reversing anywhere you should maintain all round observation and if another vehicle approaches your vehicle you should stop and wait.

The reversing light is mearly an indication of your intention and gives you no right of way whatsoever.

If your partner saw the other car and stopped then the fault would be with the other driver because, even if you are stopped in an inconvienent position he/she has no right to drive into your partners car.

From the little detail you provided it seems that your partner was moving and simply didn't see the other car so I would think the best you can hope for is a 50/50 settlement. If the impact was into your partners rear wing (rather than the boot of the car) this would indicate that your partner reversed into the path of another vehicle without looking and in this case I would say your partner is wholly responsible.

Hope this helps

Good luck

Bekki

[gouldc]

The onus is on the person driving against the flow of traffic to ensure their way is clear before performing any maneouvers.

Whilst I appreicate that the othe rparty should have seen the car reversing, it was their right of way, and they didn;t have to stop (although realistically common sense should have told them to do so!)