Almost invariably, the rear-ending vehicle is negligent in any rear-end crash because, no matter what, the driver should have kept sufficient space to be able to slow down to avoid a collision. But under Maryland law, the driver that was rear-ended can also be responsible. Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, if you are 1% responsible for the crash, you cannot recover. So there is a risk of being held partially responsible when you are rear-ended. But it is worth underscoring that my law firm has never lost a rear-end accident case in its 18-year history.