I’ve seen a number of people in this sub blame drivers/posters for not avoiding a collision to the best of their ability, even in situations where they seemingly wouldn’t be at fault should a collision occur.

Recently, I had a discussion about the following situation so now I’m legitimately curious: Who is LEGALLY in the wrong here? Not morally, strictly in the eyes of the law.

Two cars are driving down a two lane road both going 40km/hr. One is in the left lane and one is in the right lane. The car in the right lane is a car and a half ahead of the car in the left lane.

The car in the right lane realizes there are parked cars coming up ahead and slows to 30km/hr while activating their signal. The car in the left lane maintains their speed and is now a car length behind the car on the right.

The car in the right lane then merged into the left lane forcing the car in the left lane to brake and swerve to avoid a collision.

If this led to a collision, who’s going to be forced by the court to pay for repairs?