State Farm Insurance License Practice Exam

What is an Intervening Cause?

1. A cause that reinforces the initial incident

2. A factor that initiates a new chain of events

3. A minor factor that has no real impact

4. A foreseeable outcome of the original cause

The correct answer is: A factor that initiates a new chain of events

An intervening cause refers to a factor that initiates a new chain of events, thereby disrupting the original chain that was set in motion by an initial cause. In legal and insurance contexts, understanding intervening causes is crucial because they can significantly affect liability and coverage decisions. When an intervening cause occurs, it could potentially shift blame or responsibility away from the original cause, depending on how directly it impacts the outcome. For example, if an initial negligent act leads to an accident, but then a completely separate event—such as a natural disaster—occurs that also affects the situation, the latter can be considered an intervening cause. In contrast, other options presented do not accurately capture the essence of an intervening cause. A cause that reinforces the initial incident does not disrupt the original chain of events and maintains the initial flow of causation. A minor factor with no real impact fails to meet the criteria of being a cause, as it must have some effect on subsequent events. Similarly, a foreseeable outcome of the original cause is not an intervening cause; rather, it relates to the expected consequences stemming directly from the initial act. Hence, recognizing an intervening cause is essential for properly assessing situations in both legal proceedings and insurance claims.