Liability for car damage: What now?

Questioner

There are two young men in a parking lot of their school, chatting in their cars. Does the leading car make an unnecessary emergency stop, causing the following car to have to brake very hard but not stop in time? Both cars have bumper damage My question is, are both liable?

Lawyer

In general, the one who collides with the rear is liable. But now that an unnecessary emergency stop has been made by the first car, the liability will not lie entirely with the rear car and both can be liable.

Questioner

Thanks for the quick answer, but of course I still have another question. They both have third party insurance, can you then hold each other liable?

Lawyer

Yes, that is possible. The parties will have to demonstrate some things.