Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Rear Enders?

My sister rear ended a car while the car in front of her began to make a sudden and illegal u-turn. The woman stopped in the middle of a lane without a left turn cut-out and there were witnesses who saw the entire senario. What can I do, if there is anything, and if someone makes an illegal maneuver and causes an accident, is it their fault?


Asked on 5/23/02, 4:18 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Dennis Blum Josephs & Blum

Re: Rear Enders?

Maybe. California allows recovery evern if both parties are at fault. The woman ahead for doing a dangerous and illegal maneuver and your sister for following too close, not paying enough attention and not being able to stop in time. More deatail is needed for a complete answer. Visit an attorney.

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Answered on 5/28/02, 1:36 pm

Re: Rear Enders?

There is a "pure comparative fault" rule in California. This means that the court will look at both the woman who made the u-turn and your sister, and determine their degree of fault. Obviously, an illegal and unsafe u-turn is unlawful. If your sister was driving reasonably and safely, then she should be found 100% innocent, and the other woman might have to pay her.

However, if your sister was tailgating or otherwise driving unsafely, then she could be found partially liable, and have to pay the other driver according to her percentage of fault.

Your sister immediately needs to either hire an attorney or have her insurer handle this matter.

D. Alexander Floum is an experienced attorney and a law school professor.

The Schinner Law Group is a full-service law firm, providing assistance in business, corporate, tax, litigation, contracts, intellectual property and related areas of law.

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney�s individualized advice for you. By reading the �Response� to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. Pursuant to California Rules of Professional Conduct rule 1-400(d)(4), this communication is intended as a solicitation for legal services.

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Answered on 5/24/02, 4:55 pm


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