Who is at fault if one car rear-ends another?
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Who is at fault if one car rear-ends another?
I was involved in an accident in a no-fault state. There were 3 cars involved. We were on a highwaygoing 60 mph. The car in front of me collided with the car in front of them. While normally I would have had time to break my car and keep from sliding and rear-ending him, I did not brake because I didn’t realize that they had suddenly stopped. The fact is that their breaklights were not functioning. Consequently, I was not given adequate time in which to stop so my car slid. Now because was the 3rd car, I’m being held at fault. Is this fair? If it wasn’t for his negligence this would not have all happened.
Asked on January 31, 2013 under Accident Law, Connecticut
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Ordinarily the trier of facts makes a decision based upon the police report over an incident such as the one that you have written about to determine who was at fault for the accident. From what you have written about the malfunctioning brake lights seem to be an issue for th accident's cause. Likewise, the rate of speed of the parties and how close all were following the other would have a bearing on the issue of fault for your mishap.
I suggest that you work closely with the claims representative that you presumably have under your insurance policy concerning this matter.
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