Legal Definitions - primary cause

Definition: Primary cause is the main reason that produces an effect or result. It is also known as proximate cause. For legal purposes, it is the act or omission that is considered to result in a consequence, so that liability can be imposed on the actor.

Example: In a car accident, the primary cause could be the driver who ran a red light and hit another car. The driver's action directly produced the event and without it, the accident would not have occurred. Therefore, the driver is liable for the damages caused by the accident.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the primary cause is the main reason for an event or result. In this case, the driver's action was the direct cause of the accident, and without it, the accident would not have happened. Therefore, the driver is responsible for the damages caused by the accident.