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If you are backing up your vehicle from a parking spot and accidentally hit a vehicle who is moving, will it be my fault?

Tommy from Westbury Christian in Houston Texas asks: When you're backing up the vehicle from a parking spot, i accidentally hit the vehicle who is moving. Will it be my fault? At that time, i only backed up a small distance. ?

First let me say, I hope you and the other driver are not hurt and all is well with you! Second, let me say that I can't rightly say who was at fault since I was not there at the scene of the collision. And more importantly, it will be up to insurance agents, peace officers, and maybe a judge to decide who was truly at fault. But with that said, here's my opinion on the matter:

If you were backing out, it was probably your fault (legally) because you were backing out and the other driver, if they were proceeding straight, had the right of way.

However, most accidents have shared fault. For example, they may rule it was 80% your fault and 20% the other driver's fault. It all depends on what actually happened. For instance, maybe the other driver was speeding? Or maybe you were both backing out?

At the end of the day, don't admit fault and let your insurance agent work things out, unless your insurance agent is shady....

Good luck Tommy Li, hopefully you are okay!

Until next time, look behind you, look to your left, look to your right, and back out safe!

Jonny Driving School
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