If you went into the back of a car that had no working break lights whos fault would it be.?

Question

this did not happen to me i was thought about it after driving behind a car with only 1 working light

Answer 1

Laws in states can vary with some states having no-fault provisions -  it's always best to check in your home state. Generally, the driver should maintain control of his vehicle, including seeing that the other car is too close and allowing enough space to stop.  It could be perceived that the car who did the hitting was tailgating and not driving a proper distance, but sometimes there is not enough time.  Talk to the insurance, call the police dept or the DMV and find out what your state law specifies.

Answer 2

Normally, the person who runs into the back of the car in front.  In this case it would depend on how fast you were travelling and how close you were.  It would also depend on the fact that I'm not sure if it's legal to drive with no brake lights.

Answer 3

The fault of the driver behind, even if a car with NO brake lights or any kind of vehicle is hit from behind it will always be the drivers fault that drove into the rear of the vehicle as you should always leave enough of a distance to stop or you will be judged to be at fault.

Answer 4

It would be your fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance.  

Answer 5

Usually if you rear end someone it's your fault. If the police are called they may deem it the other driver's fault because they didn't have working break lights etc. The other driver would definately get a ticket for the break lights though.

Answer 6

The driver that ran into the car with no brake lights would be at fault.  The argument being that the driver should be aware of what is going on in front of them regardless of the working condition of the vehicle ahead - the driver should notice if the vehicle slows pace or stops outright.  And, you would have a difficult time proving that they had working brake lights if the collision caused damage to the extent that the light covers and bulbs were broken.  

Hope it never happens to you!

Answer 7

After you run into the back of a car, it could always be argued that the tail lights were working and that the damage done caused the rear lights to stop working.

So you are out of luck if you did the hitting!

Answer 8

Im sure the blame always lies with the person who goes into the back of someone, regardless of lights etc...

Answer 9

You run into something....it's your fault.   No question about it.

You must be able to stop in the distance you can clearly see ahead.

What if it had been a stationary skip?

Answer 10

The fault is with the car that rear ends the car in front - driving too close.

Answer 11

The rear driver as they should always have enough stopping distance between them and anything.

Answer 12

its your fault, you try proving his brake lights never worked before you parked in the back of him

Answer 13

If they had one working brake light it would be your fault, however they could be liable to a fine.

Answer 14

I'm not to sure, i would expect both parties to be at fault to some extent after all break lights are there for a reason but drivers should be aware of what is going on in front of them.

Answer 15

its always the person who drives into the other one. if you said it was the fault of the unlit driver, then it would be the same as if you drove into a stationary object with no lights too. you should always be vigilant when driving day or night, looking out for unexpected hazards lit unlit, still or moving.

Answer 16

The person who went into the back, though the driver of the car in front could also expect a ticket and/or fine.