If I were to rear end someone.......?

Question

because their tail light was out and it made it look like they were turning instead of stopping (they were tapping their breaks) would it still be legally be my fault? Would I be the one ticketed for the accident?PS This almost happened to me today so I was curious?

Answer 1

Yes, because you should be able to judge the space and react accordingly.  

Answer 2

Yes, it is always your fault, right or wrong when you rear end someone. You are supposed to have full control of your vehicle at all times. I have seen some accidents where these people did not even have brake-lights and it was still the other person's fault. I personally disagree with it, but unfortunately it is the law.

Answer 3

You would both get charged if it was minor, you if it was major.

If I can tell his rear lights were out, both would get it.  However, it is a lot harder to prove his lights weren't working if his tail end was all smashed up.  You would be amazed how often people use that as an excuse as to why they hit the car in front of them.  Cops aren't about to spend hours trying to determine if it was legitimate or not.  You hit the other vehicle, you weren't in control of yours, that's basically how it plays out.  

Answer 4

Yes it would.  Any time you rear end someone it's your fault, doesn't matter the reason.

Answer 5

They'd surely write you up for Following Too Close and possibly Failure to Avoid an Accident.

Answer 6

seems to me everytime a rear end accident occurs

the rearender is at fault

Answer 7

It is always the fault of the person who hits someone else.  That does not mean the other driver wouldn't have fault, but it is the responsibility of the driver to watch the road ahead and have enough space to react.

Answer 8

Yes, any time you are in a rear ender the person following is at fault.

Answer 9

Yes, depending upon the state laws/regulations are.

I.E in California, "WHOMEVER, Rear-ends is at fault"

So, yes I'd be careful that' why the DMV and commercials tell you to drive within a minimum of 2 car length distance so you can stop in time

Answer 10

Yes, it would be your fault, sorry.

Answer 11

Totally your fault...and sorry, drivers like you make me angry.

Pay attention or don't drive.

Edit:  "If" that were to happen.

Answer 12

PLAIN AND SIMPLE, legally it is your fault if you hit the other car. DO NOT ASSUME he is turning instead of stopping,there is a certain distance you must impose when tailing another vehicle on the road, your excuse of he looks like he is turning and then hit him is not a very good excuse. IT MEANS YOU HAVE A VERY POOR JUDGEMENT of the other vehicle movement on the road. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE, you never seen a sticker like these posted on the back end of every car infront of you. The other sticker is DONOT FOLLOW ME, I AM LOST...take the cue from these stickers.

DO NOT GIVE an excuse because their tail light is off or out. What if it is night time, the more dangerous it is out there if your judgement is that poor.  

Answer 13

You are ALWAYS at fault when you rear end someone.