Got a legal question? Brydens Lawyers can help

DO you have a legal question? Our experts from Brydens Lawyers are here to help from 1pm.

DO you have a legal question? Our experts from Brydens Lawyers are here to help from 1pm.

Mark asks: I’ve just received a letter from a car insurance company finding me liable for an accident last year. I don’t believe I was at fault. There are no witnesses to the accident, a minor fender bender, no injuries to either party. Am I liable because the other party’s insurance has found me liable? I’d like to know what my options are in refusing liability. I did not have car insurance at the time. Just standard green slip.

Brydens answers:

The first question that needs to be answered is whether or not you were in fact responsible for the accident? If so then you are liable for the damage to the other vehicle. Often that vehicle’s insurer will pursue the party responsible. If you agree that you were at fault then you should negotiate with the insurer payment of the damage claimed, on an instalment basis if necessary. If you are of the view that you were not liable for the accident then it is open to you to defend the claim. This may however mean attending court if the insurer decides to commence formal recovery proceedings.