Being involved in a car accident caused by tailgating in Texas is a traumatic experience, and it can have serious financial and emotional consequences.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a tailgating-related car accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to understand the legal process and to seek advice from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer who understands the nuances of Texas law.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss personal injury law as it relates to tailgating car accidents in Texas, including what types of harm are compensable, what damages can be recovered, and how to get started on filing a claim. Remember, you have a limited amount of time to report your car accident claim and file a case. We’ll also provide tips to ensure success when seeking damages for your injuries or losses due to another driver’s negligence.
The Dangers of Tailgating in Texas
Tailgating is a major problem in Texas, with thousands of drivers clogging the roads and highways of the Lone Star State and more vehicles than ever before on the roads. Unfortunately, when drivers are tailgating, they put themselves and other drivers in dangerous situations.
Tailgating is not only illegal but also risky—the closer you follow to another vehicle, the less time you have to react to unexpected circumstances on the road. This increases the chance of an accident or even a fatality due to someone’s negligence.
Accordingly, if you are involved in a tailgating-related car accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In order to get the compensation you deserve, it's important that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney who has experience handling Texas tailgating car accidents.
Texas Tailgating Laws and Regulations
When it comes to car accidents, tailgating can be especially dangerous in Texas. Depending on the circumstances, tailgating may be considered a form of negligence. Consequently, if you are involved in a tailgating car accident in Texas, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
In order to determine liability, state laws have set out specific regulations for following cars. According to these laws, drivers behind another vehicle should:
- Allow a minimum of three seconds following time between their car and the vehicle ahead
- Slow down or leave more space depending on certain conditions, such as changing weather or road conditions
- Not drive too closely by another vehicle
Moreover, if a court finds that a driver has acted negligently and caused an accident by not following these regulations, they can be held liable for any resulting damages and injuries. This will be an important part of making the insurance company payout. So if you've been injured due to someone's tailgating in Texas, it's important to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side who can help you take legal action and get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Tailgating Accidents in Texas
In Texas, car accidents caused by tailgating are common and often lead to serious injuries. Tailgating is the practice of driving too closely behind another vehicle, and it can have serious consequences. The following are some of the most common causes of tailgating accidents in Texas:
Poor Road Conditions
Texas roads can be rough and damaged, leading to poor visibility for both drivers and tailgaters. This makes it difficult for a tailgater to maintain a safe distance from the other vehicles on the road.
Driver Distraction
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of tailgating accidents in Texas. Drivers who are texting, talking on their phone, eating, or engaging in other types of distractions can easily miss crucial details like when the car ahead has stopped or slowed down.
Impaired Driving
Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs may also be guilty of tailgating as their judgment is impaired. These drivers may not react in time when faced with an unexpected situation or obstacle on the road, leading to serious collisions.
Injuries Sustained in Tailgating Car Accidents
Tailgating car accidents can result in severe injuries, depending on the speed of the car that was involved. The most common injuries sustained in these incidents include:
- Whiplash: When a driver slams on their brakes, and the car behind them does not possess enough time to stop, whiplash can be caused as a result of the jarring motion. This type of injury can cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and even dizziness.
- Fractured Bones: Due to the high-impact force of a tailgating collision, drivers and passengers can sustain broken bones or even internal organ damage.
- Emotional Trauma: Suffering an accident, especially one that was preventable because of an aggressive driver’s negligence, can have a lasting psychological effect on someone who was involved. Someone that was tailgated may experience feelings of anger, fear or anxiety when they are driving again after the incident occurred.
If you were injured in a tailgating car accident in Texas and you believe someone else is to blame for your losses, contact our legal team at Fletcher Law for a free consultation today. We can answer questions about your coverage. If your insurance had lapsed, we can help answer questions about what will happen if you now try and get insurance after the car accident. With our personal injury lawyers on your side, you will have access to the legal advice necessary to stand up for your rights and seek compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering caused by another’s recklessness.
Compensation Available for Victims of Texas Tailgating Accidents
If you have been the victim of a Texas tailgating car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A car accident lawyer can help you understand how to report a car accident, Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages may be available.
Here are some of the types of compensation victims can receive for their Texas tailgating car accident:
- Pain and suffering: Victims may be interested in seeking compensation for physical and emotional injuries sustained from a rear-end collision.
- Lost wages: If an accident causes a person to miss work due to an injury or illness, they may be able to seek compensation for lost wages.
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor's visits, medication costs, and physical therapy bills related to the accident.
- Property damage: If a vehicle or other personal property was damaged due to the tailgating accident, victims can seek reimbursement for repair/replacement costs.
It is important to note that each personal injury case is unique — the amount of compensation will vary depending on the severity of the injuries suffered by victims and their specific situation. A skilled lawyer will be able to help determine what type of financial recovery may be available in your case.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Tailgating Accident Claim
Having a lawyer on your side who specializes in auto accidents, especially involving tailgating, will help make sure you get the compensation you deserve. To ensure you find the right one for your tailgating car accident claim, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Experience
Look for a law firm with experienced attorneys who have handled cases similar to yours. They should be knowledgeable about tailgating laws in Texas and have a record of successful outcomes.
Reputation
Find a lawyer with a good reputation and positive reviews from other clients. Consulting online reviews, asking friends and family members for referrals, and researching a law firm's track record are all ways to evaluate their reputation.
Specialization
Choose a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and specifically auto accidents. Tailgating can be complicated and tough to prove, so having an attorney with experience in this area will give you an advantage.
Communication
Personal injury claims can be time consuming and complex - it's important to find a lawyer who will take the time to listen to your case, address all of your questions and concerns, provide legal advice when needed, explain paperwork accurately, discuss settlement offers thoroughly and keep you informed throughout the process.
Contact Fletcher Law For Help With A Texas Tailgating Case
If you've been in a Texas tailgating accident, it's important that you contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Fletcher Law, our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.
When you work with us, we will:
- Review the evidence of your case to identify the responsible party and determine liability
- Offer support and advice throughout your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies in pursuit of maximum compensation for damages done
- Provide representation in a court of law if necessary
At Fletcher Law, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. That's why we ensure that our clients are aware of all their legal rights and options going forth. We'll do everything we can to help you get back on your feet again.