Car accident - made a stupid mistake.

[Carbooboo]

Accident was entirely the other driver's fault - I was stopped at a junction and she went into the back of me.

Never been in an accident before and was in shock. Other driver got out of her car and calmly asked for my details (name, phone number, insurance) which I gave. It only dawned on me when I drove away that I am meant to get the other persons details especially when it was her fault. Needless to say it has been almost 24 hours and I haven't heard from her.

I am so annoyed at myself for driving away without her details. I phoned police who advised that because she got out of the car and engaged so it wasn't that she fled the scene. He said I am at her mercy as to whether she contacts me.

Not really looking to achieve anything from this, just a vent as I am feeling a lot of shame about it and bit embarrassed to tell people in real life!

If she has your details and you don’t report it to your insurance company, she could twist the details. Could say you did an emergency stop for no reason and you were at fault or you pulled out of the road and she crashed into the back of you. You need to tell them immediately so they have the right side of the story from you.

As others have said, it will invalidate your insurance or could make getting insurance worse for you in the future as you’ve not realised the terms and conditions of your insurance.

Even with no injuries and hardly any damage, or even near misses, it can really shake you up and it’s really easy to not do everything you should have done if you were thinking more clearly. It’s so annoying but understandable. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I hope you get it sorted and it rightly comes out of her insurance to fix any damage.

If you don’t report an accident to your insurers it invalidates your insurance, even if you don’t intend to claim.

Some posters on here have advised never giving your name or address however it is actually the law to do this I’m afraid.

Yes, one of the (many) instances of the law being an ass 🙂. And not keeping pace with technology.

Just your registration number is sufficient for appropriate parties (like an insurance company) to identify you. They don't even need to know your insurer - all that information is available online nowadays.

I would never give my name, address & telephone number to a potentially hostile stranger.

Yes agreed, it’s a stupid law and potentially puts people in danger. My only concern is if the other driver asks for it and I refused then would there be consequences. I just hope I'm never put in that position.

If that happens you call the police (on 999 if you have to) and say you are in a road accident and you feel threatened.

Sorry for the delay in updating. The responses have been really helpful, so thank you all.

Reported the accident to my insurance the morning after the accident, after giving her a bit more time to get in touch with me. I suspect we would have heard from her insurance company by now so am assuming that she has decided not to.

Still kicking myself a bit but also just accepting that I made a mistake and will need to take the hit.

Re. Damage - she fairly rammed into the back of my car and there may be some structural damage but it is still driving fine. Waiting to hear from insurance company about getting it into the garage. Really hoping it isnt a write off as am still paying off a loan for the original purchase! X

Do you have gap insurance? That's essential if you have car finance and the car is written off.

It's never your fault if someone runs into the back of you.

That's not always true.

Why didn’t t you get her details? Did you take any photos?

You don't run into the car in front if you are obeying the highway code - stopping distance etc. Whilst you are technically correct (there are always exceptions to the norm) you would have a very hard time bringing a credible argument in court.

I think it's much easier these days with dash cams, etc.

Problem here being that legally you are required to give your name, your address (and those of the owner of the vehicle if it's not yours) and the registration of your vehicle. In addition, if anyone other than you is injured (even slightly) you are required to show them your insurance certificate. If you don't do all of the above, you are required to report the matter in person to a police officer or at a police station as soon as is practicable and within 24 hours. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a fine and points on your licence.

Whoever is at the rear is at fault

No, I didn't get any details or take any photos which was why I made the thread, as I felt too ashamed about my stupid mistake to speak to people about it in real life.

I own the car outright (though still paying off a low interest loan for it)

OMG there's only TWO pages on this thread yet already we have someone revisiting a point that has already been discussed.

There are MANY instances of laws that have become irrelevant or unnecessary due to modern life moving on - and this is a good example of the law not keeping up with technology (and indeed being in breach of GDPR!). Ideally the law should be updated, but it's not important enough to warrant government time.

Just your registration number is sufficient for appropriate parties (like an insurance company) to identify you. They don't even need to know your insurer - all that information is available online nowadays.

OF COURSE you shouldn't give your address and phone number to a potentially hostile stranger. If the other driver demands it, you get your phone out and call the police (on 999 if you have to) and say you are in a road accident and you feel threatened.

Can you imagine the stink there would be in the newspapers if the police tried to fine a woman for not giving that information to a man who is threatening her.

Out of Interest @Roymondo do you actually carry your insurance certificate around with you? 🙄

Can't edit my post, but just to add, you do have to give your name of course, as you might not be the registered car owner.