Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

chain reaction accident liability

if i was at a red light 4 cars back at a complete stop and i get rear ended by what would be the 5th car which causes me to rear end to person infront of me and so on including the first car in this accident. who is liable for the accident the 5th car which caused everybody to rear end one another at a dead stop or is everyone responsible for the car the rear ended as a result of the 5th cars negligence. thank you for your time


Asked on 6/24/03, 5:57 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: chain reaction accident liability

As a general rule, the car that begins a chain reaction by striking one car in the rear, pushing him into the car in front of him, etc. is responsible for damage and injuries done to all cars and occupants. However, insurance companies use lots of arguments not to pay their full amount. If you were injured, you should talk to a lawyer that handles this type of case (like me, for instance). Normally they will not charge you for this consultation.

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Answered on 6/24/03, 10:08 pm
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: chain reaction accident liability

Unless you contributed to the gravity of the accident (like did not have the brakes on) you have no responsibility. The fifth driver is responsible. This is the same outcome as where your house catches on fire and burns a neighboring house and you did not lead to, cause or worsen the fire--the first house that caught fire is liable. Settlement, however, with the insurance company may not always be easy since Act of G*d provisions may alleviate liability.

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Answered on 6/24/03, 7:05 pm


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