Who is at fault when rear-ended while waiting at a red light?

[SanRuth]

Being rear-ended while waiting at a red light is entirely the fault of the following vehicle. Below is a detailed explanation of how responsibility is determined in multi-vehicle rear-end collisions: 1. The leading vehicle did not intentionally change lanes: The specific circumstances must be analyzed, but generally, as long as the leading vehicle did not intentionally change lanes, the following vehicle is at fault. In cases involving icy, snowy, or foggy weather conditions, the determination of rear-end collision responsibility is made by traffic police after surveying the accident scene and considering the specific circumstances. After a rear-end collision occurs, the driver should immediately stop the vehicle, secure the scene, and promptly report to the police and notify the insurance company. 2. The leading vehicle suddenly brakes: If the rear-end collision is caused by the leading vehicle suddenly braking, traffic police usually determine that the following vehicle is fully or primarily at fault. Traffic regulations do not prohibit sudden braking, but they do require following vehicles to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Therefore, unless the rear-end collision is caused by a violation by the leading vehicle, the following vehicle is always at fault.

[AlexanderDella]

I have personal experience to share about being rear-ended while waiting at a red light. Usually, the car behind is fully at fault because they didn't maintain a safe distance. Traffic rules are clear - when the front car is stationary within the stop line waiting for the light, the rear vehicle must always be prepared to brake to prevent collisions. I remember last time when I was hit while waiting at a red light, the other driver admitted he was distracted, and the police who arrived directly ruled the rear vehicle fully at fault. My car was sent for repairs paid by the insurance company. My advice in such situations is not to panic immediately - turn on hazard lights first, set up warning triangles, ensure your own safety, and then call the police. The whole process is quick, but be sure to preserve scene photos and dashcam footage as crucial evidence. For the aftermath, repairs won't cost you anything - the key is to protect yourself and your beloved car, avoiding secondary accidents.

[LeZachary]

When rear-ended at a red light, the responsibility usually lies with the following vehicle. This is because the rear driver failed to maintain proper distance or got distracted. I've witnessed many such incidents on the road, so I pay extra attention to my rearview mirror. As a beginner driver, I also worried about similar situations, but the rule is simple: if you didn't move, the fault lies with the other party. Last time, my neighbor mentioned being rear-ended - the following vehicle was fully responsible and covered all costs, including towing and repairs. My advice is to stay calm, call the police, and let the insurance company handle it. They'll investigate both sides' accounts to determine liability. Though the process can be frustrating, don't stress too much - your safety is paramount. You might even get a complimentary rental car during repairs. In short, if you're legally stopped, you're fine - the following vehicle should bear the consequences.

[DiLeah]

Being rear-ended while waiting at a red light is definitely the rear vehicle's fault. As I learned in traffic regulations, the following vehicle must always maintain a safe distance to ensure it can stop in time. If the front vehicle isn't moving and the rear one hits it, that's the rear driver's fault—full responsibility. When handling this, remember to report to the police for documentation. The insurance company will cover the repair costs, and there might also be compensation for lost work time. The rules are designed this way to protect drivers who stop properly—don't hesitate to enforce them.