Who is usually legally at fault if you hit a car from behind?

When it comes to rear-end collisions, the driver of the car behind is typically considered legally at fault. This is grounded in the principle that drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance and to be attentive to the car in front of them. If you collide with the vehicle in front, it usually signifies that you were not keeping an adequate distance or were not paying enough attention to react in time to stop safely.

The law places the onus on the driver behind because they have a clearer responsibility to avoid a collision. They should anticipate any sudden stops or changes in speed from the vehicle ahead and respond accordingly. If a driver is following too closely or is speed impairing their ability to react, they are generally liable for the accident.

In instances where the vehicle in front is parked and a collision occurs, different considerations apply. A parked vehicle may not be held to the same standards regarding sudden stopping, but any movement by that driver would need to be carefully evaluated. In general conditions, the liability rests with the driver behind in a rear-end scenario.