Is the Rear Vehicle Always Fully Liable for a Sudden Braking Rear-End Collision?
1 Answers
Liability determination for rear-end collisions is not always entirely the fault of the rear vehicle. Incidents caused by actions such as the front vehicle reversing or rolling back, or the front vehicle crossing lane markings, are all instances where the front vehicle bears full responsibility. Rear-end collisions caused by a third party, most commonly seen in chain-reaction collisions, involve varying degrees of liability depending on the specifics of the accident. Below are some scenarios: 1. Scenario One: If the leading vehicle did not violate any traffic rules, each following vehicle compensates the one immediately in front of it. For example, the second vehicle compensates the first, and the third compensates the second. 2. Scenario Two: If the last vehicle in the chain initially collides with the vehicle directly in front and, due to the force of impact, subsequently collides with the next vehicle ahead, then the last vehicle is fully liable and must compensate both vehicles. 3. Scenario Three: If the leading vehicle maliciously changes lanes, causing the second vehicle to brake suddenly and resulting in the third vehicle rear-ending the second, and if it can be proven that the first vehicle acted maliciously, then both the second and third vehicles may avoid liability disputes. Additionally, if a traffic signal malfunction causes the front vehicle to brake suddenly, leading to a rear-end collision, the traffic department may also bear some responsibility, provided there is sufficient evidence.
