Car Accident Advise :( No Insurance

[BOOSTDEF]

Heres the story.

Me and my brother were drove to go buy his first car the other day and as we were driving home (I was driving as he is on his L’s), we were involved in an accident.

As the car was still registered in the previous owners name, it had no insurance and unfortunately it looks as though I am in a little strife $ wise.

The scenario was that I was driving along the highway doing the speed limit where we approached a merging lane. The car in front of us quickly had to swerve from the left lane to the right lane, narrowly missing the car standing still due to being cut off from the car in front of them who was going to merge from a standing start.

I had no time to brake and unfortunately ran into the back of a brand new lancer, with 2 quotes so far returning a bill of $12000 rear end damage.

I understand the law states that if you run into the back of someone its pretty much your fault. But In speaking to another person who was involved in a similar situation, he got out of only paying a % payment of the bill given that it was not entirely his fault.

The car who cut off the car I hit did not attend the scene, but a witness who stopped had noted down his number plate and can vouch for what happened.

The owner of the lancer has filed a police report (Later. The police did not attend the scene) and has requested the total amount from me based on what the police have said. I can understand from their point of view entirely but I am just trying to do myself a favour.

I am happy to pay what I have to pay, I just wanted a few more opinions or advise on anything I can do to help my situation. Im a single dad trying to make ends meet and cannot even barely afford the rent let alone a $12000 payout to another person. I understand that I may be obliged to pay it and will co-operate and do so if it is entirely my fault.

The owner of the lancer did not have insurance either.

Im not looking for comments like “suck it up and just pay it.. “. I have simply stated that I am happy to pay what I have to pay, just looking for suggestions on the best way to handle it.

I have been driving for 8 years and this is my first accident. Both my cars are insured but unfortunately this is life

Thanks in advance.