NSW Bumped into Another Car While Reversing

[wayne s.r]

I had pulled over to the side of the road to begin reversing so I could park. I checked all of my mirrors, looked over my shoulder and found that the street behind me was completely empty. So I began to reverse. As my vehicle approached closely to the side of the curb, checking in the last couple of feet through my left mirror that I was not getting too close to the kerb to damage my mag wheels.

In the meantime, a car had entered the street behind me approximately 40 meter's behind and to my right. I had checked the driver's side mirror twice on approach to my destination so was only looking at my left mirror, sure there was nothing behind. I was only moving back very slowly at approximately one meter per ten seconds. The driver came right up behind me directly in the path I was heading obviously coming up way too close to a car that was already reversing with reverse lights on.

The driver of the car behind me said he sounded his horn, but I heard nothing. He could have stayed back or reversed after it was obvious I was continuing my reverse totally oblivious of his entry into the road. I am on a disability support pension so I cannot afford to fix what he says I did to his car.

I believe there was some previous damage to his car close to where we touched, and believe me, touched is the appropriate word.

Please help me if possible.

Thank you

 

[Therese]

Hi Wayne,

my understanding is that usually the car reversing is liable for the damage to the other vehicle regardless of whether it was acting illegally.

However I would suggest getting specific advice on your situation, as sometimes both parties may both be liable.

This link from Legal Aid may assist: Crashed your car? - Legal Aid NSW.

I would suggest contacting legal aid or getting advice from a lawyer before agreeing to pay the damages the other driver wants. See Get Connected with the Right Lawyer for You.

 

[wayne s.r]

Thank you very much for your help and I will take your suggestion on board. A very helpful website thanks again... Please, if there are any more comments, please feel free to comment.

Cheers!!!