Auto Insurance Claims: Collision while in work vehicle, filing a police report, hi mike

Question
I rear-ended a truck today at a stop light. After the light turned green, I eventually honked to let the driver in front of me know the had light changed. He slammed on the gas and then slammed on his brakes. Because I started to go, I hit the truck but I was almost able to stop before it. His truck has no damage and my work van has a small dent in the bumper from his hitch. When we were trading info, I asked him what he was doing. He said, "You honked." I told him it was to help him out because the light changed and he didn't notice. Another driver witnessed the accident and he stated the other driver was at fault because of what he did (confirming what I said).

First, am I at fault since I am the one to rear-end him?

Also, how will filing a police report affect my personal car insurance and my driving record (along with anything else I haven't thought of)?

My boss said we wouldn't do anything to fix it since it's just a small dent. They mostly want the police report to document what happened.

Thanks for your help!

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

The accident will be considered to be your fault. Anytime you hit someone in the rear, you are at fault.

If a police report is filed, it will likely show that you were at fault. This will end up on your driving record as an at-fault accident. As a result your insurance company may raise your rates at the time of policy renewal if they find out about it.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh