Car insurance at fault claim

[MyToeHurtsBettie]

Hi,

Late last year I reversed on a petrol forecourt, my foot slipped off my brake and I ended up touching a car behind. It was virtually no speed at all, but I accept it was still my fault, I swapped details, the lady said there was no damage (and visually there wasn’t) and that her and the passenger were fine. I took a picture of the back of my car, no damage, but stupidly didn’t take one of the front of theirs.

Anyway, earlier this year I got a call from my insurance company to say that they were claiming against me for damage and injuries. I gave my account and sent pictures of the back of my car on the day and also a current one as requested. This was back in March. Today I’ve received a letter from solicitors which outlines a load of terms who my insurance company have appointed for me. Is this the usual protocol? I’ve never had an at fault accident before, so I don’t really know. Also, the name of the claimant is male, whereas it was a female in the driving seat. The male did speak to me very briefly (before getting back in the car and sitting in the passenger seat laughing in what looked like he was videoing me speaking to the female) and he stated the car was hers. I cannot for the life of me remember her name or find the piece of paper. I’ve emailed the solicitor as I can’t get through via the phone, so I’m waiting for a response.

I would appreciate someone outlining what the normal process is please, as I’m completely stressed at receiving this solicitor letter. Thank you.

I can’t help re the above but wonder if there is cctv footage from the petrol station or if it’s too long ago?

This is perfectly normal. I would imagine that the insurance policy is in the claimant's name, which is why he is the claimant. It sounds like there is a dispute about the amount of damage caused, so the claimant's insurance company is taking legal action against you on his behalf and your insurance company has appointed solicitors to defend the claim.

I thought about trying to get CCTV footage when I was notified of the claim being brought against me, but it had already been too long.

Thank you prh47, that makes me feel a little less stressed. I know looks can be deceiving on the damage front, but my speedo was showing 0 at the time and it was a literal touch of the bumpers, more like the side of my bumper as I was reversing out at an angle. Obviously I was moving so it wouldn’t have been 0 exactly, but it would be interesting to know the amount of damage exactly. Thank you again.

It will depend on the view that your insurance company is taking. In view of your description of the accident they may be trying to fight the claim on the basis that the injuries and damage have been made up. They may well refuse to settle and make the claimants 'put up or shut up' by taking the case to court. If that happens, you will likely need to be a witness.