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I accidentally hit a vehicle that was also moving in a parking lot. Will it be my fault?

Tommy from Westbury Christian: 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.)

Hello Tommy, hope you're okay and that nobody was hurt, besides possibly someone's feelings. And let me say you're not alone; parking lots are the #2 place that accidents occur (seconds only to intersections).

First let me say that I can't rightly say who was at fault since I was not there. And more importantly, it will be up to insurance agents, peach 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 Tommy, don't admit fault and let your insurance agent work things out, unless your insurance agent is shady.

Jonny Driving School
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