Who is at fault in a collision between a reversing vehicle and a straight-moving vehicle?
4 Answers
According to relevant laws in China, in the event of a collision between a reversing vehicle and a straight-moving vehicle, the reversing party is generally held fully responsible. Below is relevant information: 1. When parking in a parking lot, first estimate the width of the parking space, check for any obstacles behind, whether there are vehicles parked on either side, and whether the length suits your vehicle model. If visibility is poor at night, it's best to step out and observe the exact position before reversing. 2. When reversing, try to choose to reverse from the left side (when conditions permit). The left side makes it easier for the driver to observe. During the reversing process, first check the rear and then pay attention to the side mirrors. The horizontal distance on the right side should be larger than on the left. Because the turning radius of the front wheels is larger than that of the rear wheels, the front of the car will swing outward when reversing. If this is not taken into account, the right side is prone to scratches.
After driving for so many years, I have to say the reversing driver usually bears greater responsibility. Traffic regulations clearly state that when reversing, you must ensure there are no pedestrians or vehicles behind you, as through traffic has the right of way. I experienced this firsthand when I was younger—reversing in my neighborhood without paying enough attention, I hit a neighbor's car that was proceeding normally. The traffic police arrived and ruled me fully at fault, making me cover all repair costs. Unless the through vehicle commits a serious violation like speeding or running a red light—with evidence proving their fault—responsibility might be shared. But in reality, the reversing driver's negligence is often the primary cause. When reversing, take it slow, use your mirrors or backup camera frequently, and avoid blind spots to prevent accidents. Safe driving habits can prevent 99% of such conflicts.
As a new driver who just got the license, the instructor often reminds me that reversing is high-risk. In disputes involving collisions between reversing and straight-moving vehicles, 90% of the time the reversing driver is held accountable. Think about it—the straight-moving vehicle is on its normal route, while reversing inherently requires extra caution. My buddy last year scraped an electric scooter while reversing and ended up being fully liable, paying compensation and facing higher insurance premiums. Legally, the reversing party bears more burden of proof to demonstrate proper operation. When driving, I make it a habit to confirm the surroundings first—like checking the reversing camera or asking passengers to help observe—especially during urban traffic jams, to avoid turning haste into trouble. A little more caution means a lot fewer disputes.
As a parent who frequently shuttles kids, safety is the top priority. In such cases, the responsibility usually lies with the reversing driver, as reversing requires high vigilance while straight-moving vehicles have the right of way. Traffic rules are designed to protect everyone's interests. I remember once nearly hitting a straight-moving car while reversing at a grocery store, luckily I braked in time. To avoid such incidents, I ask family members to sit in the back seat to help observe or use rearview mirrors for assistance. In liability determination, unless the straight-moving party violates rules, most accidents are caused by reversing errors. Simply put, stay alert while driving, family safety comes first.
