I've recently had a CAR ACCIDENT and wonder if it was my fault (?)?

Question

Well, 2 wks or so ago I was driving along a moderately busy road in the afternoon and suddenly a cat ran across the road in front of me! And h**l i didn't want to run the beast over so I slammed on my brakes to a stop and a royal mail small delivery van shunted into the back of my car...she went into the back of my car. The ironic thing is that I had both of my Learner-plates on the rear end of my car. I was with my mum, she was in the passenger seat. My car is now a write-off, I only had it for 3 weeks!

Ohhh the shame...I was wondering If it was my fault or if it was the Royal Mail driver's fault...it puzzles me...

I would love your helpful contributions because it baffles me!

Thank You very much!!

Answer 1

It's the van's fault, they were following close enough to not have proper stopping distance.  

Answer 2

Never stop suddenly when any animal runs out in front of you unless you are absolutely certain  there is nobody behind you.

If a pedestrian comes out, brake hard to avoid contact.

This is a lesson on being aware about the vehicle in front of you.

Can I stop if a dog runs out in front of him?

Answer 3

The Royal Mail van driver didn't leave enough space.

Answer 4

your not in the wrong, the man behind should have left enough space to stop

Answer 5

Technically speaking, the driver who hits the rear is at fault as they should have allowed adequate distance to stop if needed. Obviously they didn't pay attention to your braking so the Royal Mail van is at fault.

But your insurance company will sort it out so don't worry. Ps, you have your mum as a witness too.

Answer 6

Just to confirm what has been said, really. One of the basic principles of driving, as you'll be learning, is that you drive at such a speed and distance that in the event of an emergency you can stop safely and on your own side of the road. The royal mail driver didn't. Her fault, simple as that. It matters not why you had to stop.

Don't feel ashamed, if anything you should be feeling cross . . . Sorry about your car, I'm glad that both yourself and your mum are okay.

Let your insurers sort it out, and reassure yourself that at least you've proved to yourself you can do an emergency stop!

Answer 7

You are not in the wrong at all but next time run the cat over because you are lucky to have made it away without injury hopefully.