Generally speaking if Driver B caused their vehicle to crash into the back of Driver A’s vehicle, then Driver B would be at fault.
This is, of course, a typical rear end shunt scenario whereby liability is usually attached to the driver who drove their vehicle into collision with the vehicle in front.
As a driver myself, this must be the correct decision as you have no control over the vehicle that’s driving behind you. However, in some strange and unusual circumstances, Driver A in the above scenario could be held at fault.
You would generally have to look at the reason why Driver A stopped so suddenly and without warning.
When its deemed reasonable to make a sudden stop
When a sudden stop was made due to a traffic sign or signal, then it’s highly unlikely to be held at fault if another vehicle crashes into the back of them.
Also a driver may need to stop suddenly if, for example, a child runs out into the road.
In this scenario it’s of-course reasonable to stop suddenly and it’s highly unlikely that you would be held at fault if another vehicle crashed into the back of you.
I could never say that it’s impossible to be held at fault in these situations as every case is taken on its own facts.
Who is at fault when it’s not okay to make a sudden stop
You could be at fault, if you stopped suddenly and without warning for no good reason. Even if your vehicle was not involved in the accident itself, you could still be held at fault.
Say, for example, Driver A stopped suddenly and without good reason. Driver B also managed to stop in time but Driver C crashed into the back of Driver B.
If there was no good reason for Driver A to stop suddenly then they may be held liable for the accident.
In these cases of extenuating circumstances the person who stopped suddenly may be at fault. There is no strict rule on this area of law as every case is considered based on its own unique facts.
The questions that must be asked are:
- What caused the diver to stop so suddenly and without warning?
- Was it reasonable for the driver to stop so suddenly and without warning?
In Gussman v Gratton-Storey the Defendant applied her breaks violently in order to avoid hitting a pheasant running across the road. The driver behind was unable to stop and collided with the Defendant’s vehicle. The Defendant (lead driver) was held liable as the sudden stop was in effect held to be unreasonable.
You can see the difficult precedent that this case sets. It leaves a difficult decision as to just when it is reasonable to stop suddenly.
For example, would one type of animal running into the road cause a reasonable sudden stop and another type of animal running into the road cause a sudden stop that was unreasonable? It’s a bit like deciding which animals you can drive over and which ones must be treated as though they were human.
Each case is considered on its facts; if you collided into the back of another vehicle then it’s likely that a Court would hold you at fault. However, if the car in front stopped suddenly without any or any good reason, then the driver of the vehicle that stopped suddenly may be at fault. Say the driver stopped suddenly due to ducks in the road, a Court may say that this was an insufficient reason to brake and stop suddenly.
Such cases may inevitably result in huge liability arguments. There may be a disagreement as to who is at fault. Therefore it is essential that you seek independent legal advice.
We here at The Injury Lawyers are specialists in these type of cases, so don’t hesitate to call us today – free from a landline or mobile – on 0800 634 75 75.