Who is at full fault if I rear-end someone changing lanes?

[DelJameson]

If the other vehicle forces a lane change, causing the rear-end collision, the lane-changing vehicle can be held fully at fault. The liability determination for a lane-change rear-end collision is as follows: when changing lanes, if the lane-changing vehicle fails to yield to vehicles already traveling in that lane, resulting in a traffic collision, the lane-changing vehicle bears full responsibility; if a rear-end collision is caused by a preceding vehicle changing lanes, the lane-changing vehicle can be held fully at fault. Relevant explanations are as follows: Same-direction side-swipe traffic accidents: In a same-direction side-swipe accident caused by one party changing lanes, the lane-changing party bears full responsibility; in a same-direction side-swipe accident caused by one party overtaking another, where the other party is driving normally in their lane, the faster party bears full responsibility; if one party is oversized and fails to set up obvious warning signs as required, and a same-direction side-swipe accident occurs during the overtaking process, the oversized party bears secondary responsibility, while the other party bears primary responsibility; if a side-swipe accident occurs while one party is oversized and driving parallel to or overtaking another, the oversized party bears full responsibility. Opposite-direction side-swipe traffic accidents: if one party rides or drives over the centerline or enters the opposite lane, causing an opposite-direction side-swipe accident, that party bears full responsibility; if one party is oversized and the other is driving normally in their lane, causing an opposite-direction side-swipe accident, the oversized party bears full responsibility; if both parties are driving in their respective lanes and cause an opposite-direction side-swipe accident, both parties bear equal responsibility.

[DeLorenzo]

The liability determination for a rear-end collision caused by the other party changing lanes depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, if the other driver fails to maintain a safe distance or doesn't use turn signals during the lane change, they may bear primary responsibility. However, factors like insufficient following distance could also make you partially liable. With years of driving experience, I've learned that the key lies in proper mirror observation and maintaining a three-second following distance. If someone suddenly cuts in causing the collision, they're likely fully responsible - though proving it can be challenging without traffic police reviewing surveillance footage. My advice: regardless of fault, avoid arguments at the scene. Park safely, report to insurance, and prioritize safety. Afterwards, study lane change regulations to prevent future incidents. PS: Rear-end insurance claims can be tedious - solid evidence makes the process much smoother.

[LaDaisy]

To put it simply, liability mainly depends on the distance between vehicles and driving safety. If you rear-end someone while they're changing lanes, they usually bear greater responsibility because traffic laws require lane changers to yield and ensure they don't affect other vehicles. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I understand that maintaining a safe distance is key—at least two car lengths. If someone cuts in abruptly and you can't react in time, they're almost always fully liable; but if your following distance was too short or you were speeding, you might share some responsibility. It's best to develop good habits: check your mirrors often, slow down, and yield. If a rear-end collision occurs, stay calm—call the traffic police to determine fault, then contact your insurance for claims. It saves money, time, and hassle.

[LeGenesis]

Liability determination depends on details. Typically, the party changing lanes that causes a rear-end collision may bear primary responsibility, but evidence such as surveillance footage is crucial. I experienced a similar incident as a novice driver and later learned the lane-changing rule: both preceding and following vehicles must yield. After an accident, it's safest to stop immediately, call the police, and take photos for evidence. Insurance claims will be handled based on fault—remember not to settle privately to avoid disputes. Learning defensive driving techniques, like anticipating lane-change risks and slowing down or avoiding in advance, can reduce such troubles. Quite practical skills indeed.