How to Determine Liability in a Three-Car Rear-End Collision?
3 Answers
In determining liability for a three-car rear-end collision, the traffic police department must conduct an on-site investigation to make a comprehensive judgment: If the third car hits the second car, causing the second car to hit the first car, then the third car bears full responsibility. The principles for liability division in rear-end collisions are as follows: Rear car hits the front car in motion: In such a rear-end collision, the rear car bears full responsibility; Front car reverses or rolls back and hits the rear car: In such a rear-end collision, the front car bears full responsibility; Front car stops on the road without complying with regulations: If the front car fails to turn on the hazard warning lights and set up warning signs as required, resulting in a rear-end collision, the front car bears secondary liability, while the rear car bears primary liability; Front car stops on the road in compliance with regulations: If the front car turns on the hazard warning lights and sets up warning signs as required, resulting in a rear-end collision, the rear car bears full responsibility; Front car is overlength: If the front car does not set up obvious warning signs as required, resulting in a rear-end collision, the front car bears secondary liability, while the rear car bears primary liability; Front car lacks taillights at night: In such a rear-end collision, the front car bears secondary liability, while the rear car bears primary liability.
I've been driving for nearly twenty years and have witnessed quite a few three-car pile-ups. Typically, traffic police at the scene determine liability this way: the rear vehicle that failed to maintain a safe distance and hit the middle car is responsible for compensating both cars in front. If the middle car first collides with the front vehicle, causing the rear car to rear-end it, and the front car is not at fault, then the middle car is liable for the damage to the front vehicle and must also compensate for the rear car's collision with it. However, specifics often depend on whether dash cams captured the front vehicle suddenly braking or changing lanes. The key is examining whether each driver's actions complied with regulations—brake marks and collision points tell the clearest story. Remember, on highways, maintaining at least a two-second following distance is crucial for safety.
Last week, I just handled a three-car rear-end collision case. The key points for determining liability are: first, the last car is most likely to bear the main responsibility because it failed to maintain a safe distance and hit the car in front; second, if the middle car did not hit the car in front but was pushed into it by the car behind, then it usually bears no responsibility. However, if all three cars collided in a chain reaction like candied haws on a stick, the liability chain becomes more complicated. It is recommended to install a wide-angle dashcam in the car to record the 20 seconds before and after the collision for the most reliable evidence. Do not settle privately; always have the traffic police issue a liability determination certificate. For insurance claims, the compensation is divided according to the proportion of liability: the fully liable party compensates 100% of their own coverage, the primarily liable party 70%, and equally liable parties 50%.
