Walk It Through: The Fender Bender
Following too close, a crash with an injury, help at the scene, a report, and the time to sue.
In heavy traffic, a driver following closely rear-ends the car ahead when it brakes.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One crash between two cars. Fault, the insurance claim itself, a death and the felony for leaving are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Reasonable assistanceThe help a driver in an injury crash gives, including taking an injured person for treatment if it is plainly needed or asked for.
- Acknowledgment of an existing liabilityA written admission of a debt, or a promise to pay it. On a contract, it starts the period for suing again, and so does a voluntary part payment.
- Reasonable and prudentThe speed every driver keeps whatever the posted number: no faster than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions, with care at intersections, crossings, curves, hillcrests and hazards.