Drivers urged to gather evidence after rear-end collisions

Drivers involved in rear-end collisions are being urged to gather as much evidence as possible if they believe they were not responsible for the incident, according to LeaseLoco.

The leasing comparison website said around 400,000 rear-end collisions take place in the UK each year, making them one of the country’s most common types of road traffic accident. While liability is often attributed to the driver behind, the company said this is not always the case.

Under Rule 126 of the Highway Code, drivers are expected to leave enough space to stop safely if the vehicle in front slows or stops suddenly. However, LeaseLoco said exceptions can arise where the lead vehicle brakes abruptly without a valid reason or is being driven with defective brake lights.

In those situations, the rear driver will need to provide evidence to demonstrate they were not at fault. LeaseLoco said dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, witness statements and photographs taken at the scene can all help insurers establish how the collision occurred.

John Wilmot, chief executive of LeaseLoco, said: “It’s a common myth that rear-end drivers are always at fault in a collision.

“The majority of the time it may be the case as drivers have a duty of care to maintain a safe stopping distance between themselves and the car in front of them.

“But it’s important to note there are exceptions. If the driver in front of you stops suddenly without a valid reason, then they’re likely to be considered at fault.

“Since rear-end drivers are typically at fault the majority of the time, you’ll need to gather strong evidence to support why the accident was actually a result of the driver in front.