I reversed over a child's bike which had been left behind my car - am I liable? | Ask Honest John

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I reversed over a child's bike which had been left behind my car - am I liable?

I popped in to visit a friend and was there for 10 minutes. When I left the house, I got into my car, checked my rear view mirror and side mirrors and continued to check for cars and persons as I backed up my friend's drive (private property). I got so far and heard a crunch. I got out to find a bike under my car. Whilst I was in my friend's house, a neighbouring child had left her bike directly behind my car. The child's mother insisted immediately that I pay the price of the bike (£130), to which I have agreed. However, I am interested to find out - am I liable? Is the bike owner (parent) responsible in any way?

Asked on 24 August 2010 by oneonone1

Answered by Honest John

Jointly liable. You had a duty of care to check behind your car. The parent had a duty of car to make sure her child did not dump a bike in your path.

Tags: liability

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