Who is at fault in a multi-car accident, when it isn’t a rear-end chain reaction?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Who is at fault in a multi-car accident, when it isn’t a rear-end chain reaction?
I was involved in an auto accident where I collided with the front end of another person’s vehicle. Because the driver I hit suddenly stopped after the collision understandably, the driver behind them rear ended the car I also hit. Am I potentially at fault for the damage to the rear-end, even though the third driver should have allowed for ample stopping distance? I am an insured driver.
Asked on June 12, 2018 under Accident Law, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
You are likely at fault for the rear-end damage, too. Even though the rear driver should leave reasonable stopping distance, that is for reasonable normal driving conditions or actions--e.g. the lead car slamming on the brakes suddenly. But the car coming to a stop even faster than that, due to being hit from the front, is not a typical or reasonable hazard and is not something the rear driver should be expected to prepare against. Hence, you caused the conditions which lead to the rear collision, too.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.