If you're using derived parameters, most likely from a dataset being passed parameters, then yes SSRS will need to resolve these sequentially.

You determine the order this is done in the Parameters section of the Report Data pane. Any parameters that are used to determine others, and don't rely on others themselves, must be at the top of the list. Then follow up with any parameters that are determined by these, and so on. If any parameter can't be determined because another parameter it is reliant hasn't been, the report will simply fail giving you the error you received.

Clicking on the parameter and then clicking the up and down arrows at the top of the pane moves the parameter ordering so that you can have the right sequence.