Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 1/30/2011

Question
A city bus signaled before a busstop and pulled aside as normal. The driver in the vehicle following the bus stopped abruptly as the bus pulled aside (apparently uncertain about passing a bus with flashing lights, like a schoolbus).  The car following her slammed on the brakes as did I, and we all collided together. Car #1 hit by car#2, and #2 hit by me, #3. We pulled over and exchanged info however car #1 didn't have an insurance card but said she was with coverage.
   I was the only one with noteable damage in this situation. Both myself and friend have liability only with uninsured. Do I contact my insurance company or my friend's insurance company?  Is the unpredictable actions of driver #1 taken into account by the insurance agencies here? Do I need to file a police report?

Answer
Hi Maureen,

You will likely not like what I have to tell you, but here goes.

Driver of car 1 is not responsible for anything. Car number 2 is responsible for the damage to the rear of car number 1 as well as the damage to the front of car number 2. Car 3 (you) are responsible for the damage to the rear of car 2 as well as the damage to the front of car 3.

So your liability insurance will pay for the rear of car number 2 and you will have to pay for the damage to the front of your own car.

This is assuming that there were no secondary impacts to any of the cars in front of you. You should report this to your insurance company as soon as possible. It may take a while for a full investigation and determination of who is responsible for what until statements can be taken from the occupants of all of the vehicles involved.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh