I witnessed a car crash

[LightHouser]

As a pedestrian today I witnessed a minor car crash, and feeling like it was the right thing to do I have both parties my number in case they needed a witness, saying to both at the same time 'you both sound like good people do you won't need this but here's my number in case you need a witness', and I went on my way.

I wish I hadn't :-(

One person has already called and left a message (I was driving so couldn't answer) asking if I agree with his version of events. I don't. He's asked me to call him back. What should I do?

Here's what I saw anyway:
I was walking along the pavement and stopped to cross a zebra crossing. It's one where people frequently drive straight on over even when you're waiting, so I always am very careful to see the cars are stopping before I step out.

Today I was pleasantly surprised that as soon as I looked over shoulder and stopped, the oncoming car slowed down, so I waved a thank you and stepped out. Immediately there was a smash and my hair stood on end and I jumped backwards before I really had time to think. It wasn't a long slow gentle stop from the car but it was nowhere close to what I'd call abrupt. The crash was forceful enough to push the front car into the crossing, where I had been walking. The driver behind is the one who has called saying he's shaken up and he thinks she (the driver in front) stopped suddenly.

My thinking is that even if she did an emergency stop, he should have been ready to stop, leaving enough space between him and the car in front to be prepared if that car stopped suddenly. It's going to be an awkward conversation to call him back and tell him I think he was at fault.

What would you do?

[MilkTwoSugarsThanks]

I wouldn't call back, I'd send a message to say you gave your number for the insurance companies to contact you.

[StealthPolarBear]

Tbh that sound fairly clear - the car behind is in the wrong.

[Caper86]

If he was the one behind then really it's his responsibility to leave enough distance from the car infront so he can stop suddenly if needed. Plus, If there was enough time for you to step out into the road that kind of days the stop wasn't as 'sudden' as he's making out.

I would ignore the call personally. If the police or an insurance company get in touch then let them know your thoughts, but you don't need to speak to the drivers.

[Imnotaslimjim]

The car behind was to blame, no matter why car 1 stops they need to have enough space so they can stop in time

[BombadierFritz]

I'd just say you are willing to give a statement if either insurer contacts you and then say what happened from your pov. Its good you gave your number as the other person will be pleased - sounds like this person is trying to wriggle out of being blamed

[YouMakeMyDreams]

Yes agreed message back and say that you gave your details for the insurance company to contact you. They will send you a form to fill out if they need more details but it's pretty cut and dry really.
You should always assume that the car in front may have to stop suddenly so it's the rear drivers responsibility to leave enough space.

[SloppyDailyMailJournalism]

I thought it was always the fault if the person behind pretty much. I'd say you had taken advice and been told only to talk to insurance companies - that way he doesn't know if you have spoken to police or whom. Any problems I'd report him and block.

[SloppyDailyMailJournalism]

of person behind

[Goingtobeawesome]

I stopped at a roundabout and a women smashed into the back of me. Fortunately a police car was close by and shut her down when she said I was on the phone. Firstly, I wasn't, I got on the phone after she crashed into me to call DH. Secondly, if I had been driving and on the phone it doesn't give me special powers to draw her car into mine and risking my children's life's . She was driving her company car so didn't care. She tried it on but tough titty.

Don't call him back but do mention his attempt when you speak to the insurers.

[Asprilla11]

Even if the first driver had braked suddenly it's highly unlikely the insurance company would side with him.

Insurance companies nearly always (90% +) side with the driver infront, if it is a straight forward bump to the rear.

Unless it is fraud of course, you will notice that all the dodgy people who crash on purpose to claim compensation, do so by cutting in front and then braking.

[LightHouser]

I've had three missed calls, I think two of them because he called, then decided to call again to leave a message, but I'm not sure about the third (panic?), so I sent a text and will ignore any further contact from him.

"Hi. I gave my details for the insurance company to contact me, and if they do I can give a statement. I've been advised not to speak to either party directly."

She hasn't been in touch but if she does I'll say the same.

Thanks all for all your advice!

[GreenMarkerPen]

don't talk to either party directly.
their insurance should contact you to give a written description/drawing. give both the same and then leave it at that.

[iknowimcoming]

Can I suggest you write down everything you saw whilst it's fresh in your mind, include time, weather conditions etc as it could be a while before you hear from the insurers (disclaimer - I have a rubbish memory)

[RedHelenB]

It probably wont need you given that it was a zebra crossing the drivewr should have sl;owed down and been prepared to stop for any pedestrian. No way can he wiggle out of that one, even without witnesses!

[KateLivesInEngland]

Follow Arfs advice. Do not make contact with either personally. It sounds like an open and shut case, car behind following too close and was wrong and I'm sure the authorities will see that and you might not even be contacted.

Aside from that, how are you? I bet you got a fright!