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I see the nose to tail topic comes up frequently and without exception the fault appears to be with the rear driver. (That in itself might answer my question).
So can someone explain to me why some years ago my wifes car was hit from behind and she was charged with (and convicted in court for) obstructing the other cars carriage way. The other party freely admitted he had been looking down at his radio and not watching the road.

The reason I ask is that now my daughter has hit a car from behind on the open road. The other driver braked sharply for a pukeko, ("It's either you or the possum"?), and twice admitted she was at fault. Our insurers have accepted our claim but we have to pay the excess (ouch).
I don't want a debate about right or wrong, just a clear explanation of the different terms please.

Your daughter will be deemed at fault as she never left a safe following distance from the vehicle in front.

Your wife's case will be different but for us to comment further we will need all the facts presented to us. If you would like you can e-mail the details to aatech@aa.co.nz and we can advise further.