HELP A van went into the rear of my car

[rosesandroses11]

Unfortunately a van went into the rear of my car this afternoon at some traffic lights. The lights changed to amber and then red so I stopped, and the van didn't.

I am shaken up but okay. The car itself has a dent the size of a 50p and some scratches to the paintwork. I exchanged details with the other driver but he didn't think there was any damage. I didn't think there was at the time until I got home and had a proper look. My car is very dirty and I was shaken at the time and couldn't think properly to have a proper inspection. I would like an expert to look so I have peace of mind.

I have tried to contact insurers but claims are online only and they are closed. I am supposed to drive for work so I am worried there is structural damage I can't see. I'm worried it's my fault for stopping - should I have gone through the lights as it was about to turn red? I was stationary when the collision happened. I would like a hand hold and some advice if anyone is willing

You don’t need to do anything beyond contact your insurance with his details

What kind of speed was the other vehicle doing when he collided with you?
If you've only got minor external damage it's unlikely you'll have any serious damage to the structure, but report your claim online and your insurers should instruct a garage for you to get it checked out. Maybe even a mobile repairer so you don't have to take it to a garage.

In broad terms, it would usually be the case that as the driver behind, it was his fault - one should always be driving in a way to allow one to stop before colliding if the vehicle in front stops suddenly, and it’s not unpredictable that traffic lights might change, so he should have been paying due care and attention.

Keep trying to contact your insurers, report what happened and let them take over the stress of the situation. If they have an online form to report an incident or make a claim, do it straight away, to get the ball rolling.

You’ll be a bit shocked so have a cuppa and a sit down.

It's odd that your insurer aren't taking calls. I work for a large insurer & customers are our first priority, claims handlers are taking calls from home.
It's definitely not your fault... You stopped for good reason, the van clearly hadn't left enough stopping distance.
I would take it to a garage to have the damage checked & confirm it can be driven. Submit your claim online & they should contact you to go through everything else.

The driver who shunts you from behind is always in the wrong. (unless you reverse into them that is!).

Phone your insurance company as soon as you can and report.

It's not your fault op the same thing happened to me and it ended up taking 2 weeks to repair the car. Have you checked if the boot opens? I thought mine wasnt too bad but then realised I couldn't open the boot.
Be prepared to wake up very stiff and sore tomorrow, get some ibuprofen in ready as you may well have whiplash.
Its fairly standard as pp said that the other driver will automatically be seen as at fault as he didnt leave enough stopping distance.

You're fine, legally. You both stopped, exchanged details and you will report it as soon as your insurers are open. All good!

You were stationary, lights on red. His error. Again, you're fine legally.

It is usual to take a car that has been shunted, especially by a van, to be properly inspected. There are all sorts of safety mechanisms - the crumple zone - and wiring that could have been damaged. You won't know by looking at the bumper. Again, what you want to do is all fine.

Have a cup of tea, somethingto eat. Give yourself time to calm down after the shock of it.

Remember, in any and every statement you make. The lights turned red, you stopped, he hit you. You do not have to wonder about your culpability. You don't have to try to be reasonable, take some of the blame, be nice! It's an everyday accident and nobody got hurt!

Deep breath....

Thank you ladies. I just think, if only I had left work a few minutes earlier or later but at least no one was hurt.

Years ago the same happened to DH, little visible damage, the car was a write off. He was young and inexperienced and didn't report it to the insurance company. Lesson learnt.

Report it to insurance get it checked.
Same hapened and i hadno idea there was major damage underneath until went to garage for something else.

You can mend cars with money, doesn't work with people!
Any accident where everyone walks away is the best result you could hope for.