Skip to main
01446 794199 Request a call back

Accident at a roundabout – Who’s at fault?

I was involved in an incident where I avoided colliding with a car that changed suddenly into my lane whilst at a roundabout. They were on the inside lane in very slow moving traffic (around 5mph), and I was between two exits. Due to me having to evade the other car the bike to hit the floor and I came off.
The driver of the car did not indicate before turning. The driver of the car was adamant that they were not at fault.
I contacted my insurer and they have said that I am at fault as I avoided a collision with the other party. I felt this was unfair as the reason for my evasive action was due to their sudden change in direction without indication.

Richard Gray, by email

 

Answer

I think you are referring to him being in the offside lane and you to nearside as with roundabouts the inside lane is often thought of being the one by the centre of the roundabout (that is on the right) whereas otherwise the inside lane is on the left side. If so, and if he did not indicate or look properly and simply cut you up then it is likely to be mostly his fault if not entirely his fault.

However, and although each case turns on its own facts, there was an unhelpful Court of Appeal (and therefore binding on lower courts on similar facts) case in 2003 called Grace –v Tanner which was decided 50/50 and as a result a lot of roundabout cases are often settled on a 50/50 basis, when a lot of the time they should not be. In your case, you should do better than this if not succeed in full.

 

Download

Ask the experts (MCN column PDF)

Talk to one of our Motorcycle Accident Claims Solicitors

For expert advice: