Tractor Collision with Two Houses in Chester: Liability? Insurance? Where to Begin?

At 6.36am on, 1 April 2025, Cheshire Police and Fire Emergency Services were informed of a collision on the A51, Vicars Cross Road at the junction between the Shell petrol station and Pearl Lane. A tractor, after a collision with a Mercedes, had veered off the road and crashed into two residential properties causing massive damage to the front brickwork and interior of both properties.

Fortunately, it has been reported that no one has been seriously injured, and the occupants of the houses are all safe and accounted for.

The question now for the residents and indeed the drivers of the vehicles is what happens next?

Without a clear understanding as to the sequence of events and the relevant circumstances, it is impossible to say who will ‘pick up the tab’ for the damage caused by the incident. But it is likely this will largely be handled by the parties’ respective insurance cover.

The question of liability will need to be carefully considered as it is not clear who is responsible for the initial incident between the tractor and the Mercedes.

There is also the question of causation. Did the initial crash cause the tractor to veer off into the houses? Could the tractor have prevented the damage to the houses by braking in time? This is a complicated incident with multiple layers as to factual and legal causation.

Consideration, therefore, of witness accounts, accident reports, engineering reports and medical evidence will be required, all of which require legal input.

What is clear is that the homeowners will need to review their insurance policies, contact their insurers and ensure they have the details of both drivers’ insurance.

But what if the house in uninsured? Are there alternative potential remedies?

Can the homeowners consider a civil claim for damages against the responsible party or that party’s insurance provider (provided the responsible party themselves is insured)? The short answer is potentially yes!

If you have had or wish to discuss a situation where your property has been damaged by the negligence of a third party, our dispute resolution team can assist you with the next steps to ensure that you are appropriately compensated.