If you langgar belakang, it’s not always 100% your fault. Here’s why

Now, most of you would know of this common belief among Malaysians that if you crash into a car from behind, you’re always at fault— so much so there are a bunch of scammers out there just going around colliding with the cars behind them for money.

The fact of the matter is, in the court of law, rear-ending someone’s car doesn’t automatically mean you’re the one to blame. And precedence is everything in the court of law, so with the help of our friends at Allianz Malaysia, we’ve gathered past cases to prove that the driver in front can actually be held accountable.

Responsibility can be split according to which driver messes up more

In the case of Abdullah Karim v Ahmad Abdullah & Anor [1991] 2 CLJ (Rep) 238, the judge held both the drivers liable. The front bus driver was given 25% of the blame for not being attentive of his surroundings while picking up a passenger. The car driver in the back, on the other hand, got 75% of the blame for not keeping a safe distance from the bus.

The situation was more or less the same in the case of Chai Phin Chong & Anor v Zainal Abidin Mohd Salleh & Anor [1998] 4 CLJ 833. The driver in front stopped suddenly, and although the driver behind wasn’t keeping a safe distance, the front driver’s negligence still contributed to the accident.

Things were a little different in the case of Kamaruddin Mohd Nor & Anor v Soon Soo Moe & Anor [1998] 4 CLJ Supp 301 though. This time, the front lorry driver was found 100% guilty for ‘swinging left to right’ while trying to U-turn, which ultimately led to a collision with a motorcyclist.

So if you ever end up in a situation where you’re blamed for a collision, just know that it’s not necessarily your fault! Having a dashcam can help you prove your case in court, though at the accident site, tension can run high.

That’s why…

Allianz Road Rangers can help you out if you ever find yourself in an accident

With adrenaline and panic setting in right after an accident happens, the truth is, you might find yourself too shaken up to think straight. And that’s where services like the Allianz Road Ranger’s roadside assistance step in.

Allianz Road Rangers is free to all Allianz Motor Comprehensive (Private Car), Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) and Allianz Motorcycle (Comprehensive) policyholders. If you drive a car, they’ve got you covered with their 7 key services (T&C apply), and if you’re part of the bike club, you get to enjoy the first 3:

1. 24-hour assistance by calling 1-800-22-5542;
2. Help from their Allianz Bike Brigade, who will ride up to you and provide initial assistance (and even first aid if needed);
3. Towing services to the police station, then to an authorised workshop by their Allianz tow truck;
4. A claims concierge service, where they will guide you through the claims process at the police station;
5. E-hailing vouchers so you can get home safely;
6. Eligible Own Damage (OD) claims can be approved as fast as 10 minutes; and…
7. Vehicle delivery to your doorstep after repairs are done, so you don’t have to go to the workshop to collect your car.

Honestly, the coolest thing about this service is that it’s not just for accidents. Allianz’s roadside assistance has your back for simple things too, like when you run out of fuel or if you need to change a flat tire. And speaking of changing flat tires 👀 guess who’s hosting a contest to see who can change them the fastest?!

Allianz Road Rangers Rumble has been happening all over Malaysia since September, offering up to RM15,000 to Malaysia’s fastest tyre-changers.

The finale event happens on 28 October 2023 from 4pm-6pm. You can witness the fastest tyre-changers in Malaysia battle it out at the Allianz Road Rangers Rumble Finale and Roadshow in MyTOWN Mall from 27-29 October 2023, 10am-10pm, and YOU could also win amazing prizes!