Rear end shunt - insurance claim question

[ShyTallKnight]

I wonder whether I can canvass opinion on the following. My son is a relatively new driver and was stopped at the side of a small road on a retail type park so that his passenger could drop some litter into a bin. Another vehicle then approached at speed and hit him from behind. Extensive damage caused to the front of the other vehicle and sons car has smashed rear bumper.

The driver of the other vehicle remonstrated with him stating my son was totally at fault and then drove off without exchanging details. As the other driver is known to my lad repeated requests were made for vehicle / insurance details but details were refused.

Finally, a call is placed to our insurance company to make a claim. Incident was witnessed by a number of people who confirm the other car hit my sons car.

Now the complication. My son had put his vehicle into reverse and was about to start a reverse manouvre. His Ins Co have now stated that as his vehicle was 'reversing' (he had not started to move) he is actually 100% at fault. Is that correct..??

[catman]

If there are witnesses, surely they will rebut the tp's claim that he was reversing?

Tim

[BlueFiestaST]

Your son should have no worries if there are independent witnesses.
The other driver should be paid a visit by the police too having left the scene without handing over his details.

[catman]

If the other driver really thought that it wasn't his fault, he would hardly be likely to drive off, would he?

Tim

[kowalski655]

Not at fault if he wasn't moving ( guaranteed the TP will claim he was, hence its good to have witnesses)
All that would be showing is a white light, that would not make him liable