There’s a common misconception that if you’re the lead vehicle in a rear-end collision case, the rear driver is responsible 100% of the time; however, that is not true. The rear driver is not responsible all the time. There are some circumstances under which the lead driver may be held completely at fault or partially responsible for causing the accident.
For example, if you stopped suddenly and unexpectedly for no good reason, such as if you stopped at a green light, you may be partially responsible for the accident. Or, if you’re parked illegally on the side of the road or in the middle of the road, and you’re rear-ended, then you may be deemed at fault or partially at fault in that accident. You can see why the rear driver is not always responsible for rear-end collisions.