Originally posted by ââ??â??unbantodrasââ??º:
FWIW, just because someone has already had an accident in front of you doesn't absolve your liability should you pile into them. It is your responsibility to maintain control of your car and refrain from hitting objects in the roadway.
Yes...and no.
Yes, you have to maintain safe distance etc, but since the car in front of Red hit another car, Red hitting that car is considered part of the same accident. It's a chain reaction thing. You can't be expected to stop on a dime when the yahoo in front of you isn't paying attention. The person who caused the accident is responsible for everything that happens as a result of that accident.
This is the way it works in Washington State. I can't be completely sure how it works in Maryland. This is why a lawyer is so completely necessary. Otherwise you're just going to get screwed into paying it.
Yes, you're going to have to pay the lawyer, but I'd much rather give a lawyer money than someone who doesn't deserve it. It's a matter of principle there.
'98 SVT Contour, in at least 639 pieces 
4 Speed MTX...synchro and shift fork replacement in progress 
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