[DougB]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

I appreciate the answer Red. But you were responsible legally for the unfortunate car damage.

But there are lots of times in life that your actions cause damage but that doesn't mean you always pay for the damages. The other example I use when this thread comes up repeatedly is this:

You are driving on a highway going the speed limit - you reach up to adjust your sunglasses and they fall into your lap - by instinct you hit your brake way too hard causing the guy behind you to slam his car into yours even though he was a reasonable and legal distance behind you - Yes your actions precipitated the accident but you're not responsible legally since you didn't hit the brake intentionally - I don't think you'd pay under this circumstance would you? Why would you pay for the golf ball damage which you are not legally bound to do?

I get where you're going with this Russ, but I believe that is a bad example.
If someone slams into the back of you car for whatever reason you brake, intentionally or unintentionally, he/she is not following a reasonable and legal distance and is responsible.