Ask Anne Marie: Who Is At Fault if You Hit a Car in Front of You That Came to a Sudden Stop in Foul Weather?

We frequently highlight questions sent to our resident insurance expert, Anne Marie Thomas. This week’s question is about the role weather and road conditions may play in determining fault for a collision.

The question comes from Natasha, who asks:

“If the road was wet and you were driving down a hill, and the car in front of you came to a sudden stop without warning, and you tried braking but slid into her, who is at fault?”

It’s a common auto insurance myth if a collision happens as a result of inclement weather, no one is at fault. That isn’t necessarily true, explains Anne Marie.

“Regardless of road conditions or weather, your following distance from the vehicle in front of you should allow enough time to avoid an accident. Even if the car ahead of you brakes suddenly, you’re expected to give yourself enough space and time to brake safely to avoid a crash. Drivers who rear-end another vehicle are almost always found to be at fault for the resulting collision.”

Extra Q&As about determining fault for an accident

Who is at fault? It’s a common question Anne Marie receives; in fact, it’s probably the most popular one of them all, and the following are some of the most recent:

• Who’s At Fault When a Driver Is Turning Left and the Vehicle Behind Tries to Pass Causing an Accident?
• Who Is At Fault When a Parked Car's Open Door Is Hit?
• Who Is Responsible for Damages to a Vehicle Resulting from an Accident on an Icy Driveway?
• If My Car Is Sideswiped While Parked, Who Is At Fault?