Insurance and repair?

Question

I recently had an accident where I collided into the rear of the car in front of me (because it was a rainy day and my brakes skidded).

What had actually happened was that there were 6 cars involved. The first two cars were the main cause of the accident (as the first car tried to change lanes from Right lane to Left lane). As a result, the 2nd car collided into the first (whilst he was changing lanes) and that resulted in all the cars behind to crash into the car in front of them (like a pile up)

I am willing to pay for damages for the car I hit in front of me, however my car is quite damaged because i hit the tow bar. Since I am the last car involved, what are my rights in claiming damages?? Or must I deal with my own damages because I only have third party insurance ?

Answer 1

You have no right to claim damages to your vehicle.  You rear-ended the car in front of you..doesn't matter that there was a separate accidents ahead, you are at fault (just like the other drivers that rear-ended the other vehicles ahead of them) due unsafe driving for weather conditions

Answer 2

You are trying to establish fault against the other parties involved in the accident.  However, you were following to closely for the weather conditions.  You will be responsible for the damage to the rear of the vehicle that you struck.  If you forced that vehicle into the vehicle in front of him, then you will have to pay for the front end damage as well.  

Since you do not have Collision coverage, you are on your own for the damage to your vehicle.  

May I suggest that you contact your insurance company and report this loss.  They will assess liability and pay for the damage under your policy.   The other party could claim injuries down the road, and if you do not report the loss to your insurance company, they MAY deny the claim for late notice.

Answer 3

i work in insurance claims in australia.

sorry, if you've hit someone from behind, you are responsible for your own damages AND theirs.

if you've only got third party property damage insurance, then this will cover anyone else you have hit.

if you only hit the car in front of you, then you are responsible for their damages only.  however, if you struck them and that pushed them into someone else, then you're responsible for both those people.

no one is responsible to pay for your damages.

Answer 4

I do not know the laws of where u are from, but here it states that your at fault if u rearend someone due to the fact you are suppose to be so many car lengthes back and in control of your vehicle-it sucks-cuz the person in front of u can purposely hit his brakes and u hit them and u pay!...I had some one hit there brakes hard then let up right before i hit them-so no marks or anything!...

Answer 5

You will have to use your own insurance to pay for the repairs to your car.  If you have no insurance for this then you are "self insured" and will have to pay for your repairs yourself