I backed into a car—am I responsible for the damage?
https://imgur.com/a/1Jz79IV
My initial thought is that I am at fault, but I would appreciate some feedback here before I decide to pay for the repair myself.
While I was reversing out of my driveway, a car coming down the cul-de-sac stopped behind me. The driver mentioned that she realized her clock was an hour off due to the time change and wanted to fix it before continuing. She didn’t move over to the side of the road but was also not crossing the center line.
I had checked my surroundings before backing up and thought it was clear. Unfortunately, as I looked to the left and right for oncoming traffic, she slipped into my blind spot. I didn’t see her in my mirrors until I turned just enough to make contact with her bumper. The video may look like I suddenly reversed into her, but I was moving at a steady speed, and the impact just caused spiderwebbing on the paint and some superficial scuffs.
I initially thought I must have missed a parked car on the street, but after reviewing the doorbell footage, I saw how incredibly unfortunate the timing was.
So, is this all on me?
It’s understandable to feel responsible in situations like this, but it’s important to consider the full context before making a decision. While you did back into her car, it seems like there were some contributing factors, particularly the other driver stopping in a way that obstructed visibility in your blind spot.
From a legal standpoint, typically, the driver who is backing up is considered responsible since they have the duty to ensure it is safe to do so. However, that doesn’t mean the other driver wasn’t also acting unsafely by stopping in a position that caused visibility issues, especially on a public road where they should have pulled over more responsibly.
If you’re inclined to take responsibility, that’s commendable, but it might be worth discussing the situation with your insurance. They can offer guidance and may help mediate the situation fairly. Ultimately, while you might feel guilty, it seems like both drivers share some responsibility for the circumstances that led to the accident.