Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

Chain Reaction Rear End:Who is at fault?

I was recently involved in a chain reaction accident where I was the third and last car. The first car had braked and the driver of the second car (the car in front of me) was not looking forward. That driver did not hit the brakes and therefore rear ended the car in front of it. I then was not able to stop before hitting this car. I assume I am still at fault, I was just wondering if the fact that the driver ahead of me had not hit the brakes had any significance. Also, the driver of the car I rear ended was the only one that needed medical attention. Will I likely be responsible for that persons injury and any costs resulting from it?


Asked on 12/28/06, 3:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Stein Law Offices of Jonathan G. Stein

Re: Chain Reaction Rear End:Who is at fault?

This is going to be an apportionment situation. You and the driver in front of you are each somewhat responsible for the damages. This gets quite complicated, but he will probably make a claim against you claiming that you caused him to be injured. Your insurance company will defend you and argue that he injured himself when he struck the car in front of him. Ultimately, they will either settle or let a jury determine how much at fault you were.

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Answered on 1/03/07, 5:27 pm


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