Who is at fault when hitting a car that cuts in line?
3 Answers
Liability division for hitting a car that cuts in line is as follows: 1. Scrapes caused by cutting in and merging: Cars often cut in line at traffic light intersections. If a rear-end collision occurs due to cutting in, the cutting-in vehicle bears full responsibility. 2. Rear-end collision after overtaking from the right: If the following vehicle overtakes from the right and causes a rear-end collision afterward, the following vehicle is at fault. According to China's Road Traffic Safety Law, overtaking from the right is prohibited and constitutes a traffic violation. 3. Rear-end collision while crossing solid lines: If a vehicle crosses solid lines and causes a rear-end collision, regardless of the circumstances, the vehicle crossing the lines bears full responsibility. According to China's Road Traffic Safety Law, vehicles are prohibited from crossing solid lines while driving. Below are precautions to note while driving: 1. Obey traffic rules, follow road signs, and avoid crossing lines. 2. Drive courteously—do not cut in line or change lanes recklessly. 3. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, anticipate road conditions, and brake early.
I've been through this twice! When I see someone trying to cut in on the road, I usually give way a little, but sometimes it's really unavoidable. In principle, the lane-cutting car is very likely to be fully at fault. The traffic regulations clearly state that when changing lanes, a safe distance must be ensured without affecting vehicles in other lanes. If the rear car is driving normally and the front car suddenly forces its way in causing a scrape, it's basically the lane-cutting car's fault. However, it also depends on the situation. For example, if the rear car deliberately accelerates to hit the other car, the liability ratio may be reversed. That's why it's especially important to have a dash cam in your car—it can prove that you were driving normally if something happens. It can save a lot of trouble at critical moments, much better than arguing with people.
Having driven for twenty years, I've often witnessed such disputes. In fact, our traffic regulations are very clear: vehicles changing lanes must yield to vehicles going straight. If a cutting-in car doesn't signal or suddenly forces its way in causing an accident, nine times out of ten it will bear primary or even full responsibility. However, there's a gray area here—traffic police still need to examine the exact positions of both vehicles at the moment of the accident. If the cutting-in car has fully entered the lane and the rear vehicle then collides, it may be considered a rear-end collision. It's advisable not to engage in road rage when encountering someone cutting in; lightly tap the brakes and yield. Although it feels frustrating, it's better than getting into an accident. In case of a collision, regardless of who's at fault, the most annoying part is the time wasted on repairs.
