According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes are the most commonly occurring type of motor vehicle accident. The NHTSA reports that these accidents account for 29 percent of all motor vehicle collisions. About 56 percent of rear-end collisions occurred when the vehicle from behind hit the vehicle stopped in front of it.
While rear-end collisions often result in injuries, many of these accidents could have been prevented if the driver from behind had not been following too closely. A Lubbock tailgating accident lawyer from Loncar Associates can help you fight for the compensation you may be entitled to collect. Call us today at (877) 239-4878 to learn more about how you can file a personal injury claim to potentially recover your losses.
The Main Danger of Tailgating Involves Not Leaving Enough Room to Brake
The main problem with tailgating is that doing so does not give you enough space to stop in time if the driver in front of you suddenly stops. Even if you immediately recognize the danger, there might not be enough time to stop your vehicle from hitting the vehicle in front of you because of the speed you were traveling.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), it takes the average person 1.5 seconds to think, react, and apply the brakes. It estimates that the average passenger vehicle with good brakes and tires on dry level payment takes the following amount of feet to come to a complete stop based on the speed it is traveling:
- Driving at 20 mph: It takes 63 feet to stop
- Driving at 30 mph: It takes 109 feet to stop
- Driving at 40 mph: It takes 164 feet to stop
- Driving at 50 mph: It takes 229 feet to stop
- Driving at 60 mph: It takes 303 feet to stop
- Driving at 70 mph:It takes 387 feet to stop
Therefore, the faster you are going, the more space you need to stop and avoid a collision. When drivers tailgate, they minimize the amount of space they have between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, making it more likely that they will crash into the rear-end of the vehicle in front of them.
For a free legal consultation with a Tailgating Accidents lawyer serving Lubbock, call 877-239-4878
Common Reasons People Tailgate Include Being Aggressive or Drunk
People may tailgate for a number of reasons, such as:
- They are in a hurry
- That is how they were taught to drive
- They are being aggressive and trying to make the vehicle in front of them go faster or switch lanes
- They are distracted or otherwise not paying attention
- They are impaired by drugs or alcohol
- They are driving like this out of habit
Regardless of the reason for their tailgating, these drivers put others on the roadway in danger. If you were hurt by one of these careless drivers, contact Loncar Associates to review your case. A Lubbock tailgating accident lawyer from our firm can begin the process of seeking compensation for the damages you sustained. Call (877) 239-4878 today.
Lubbock Tailgating Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Texas Law Prohibits Tailgating
The Texas Department of Public Safety states in their driver handbook, “Do not tailgate. Follow at a safe distance.” It further defines the term tailgating as “to follow another vehicle too closely.”
The handbook states that the minimum amount of time you should have between you and other drivers at slow speeds is two seconds in good road conditions. For any speeds above 30 miles per hour, the handbook recommends a minimum four-second gap between you and other vehicles in good road conditions.
It also recommends increasing the amount of time between you and other vehicles:
- If you are a beginning or less experienced driver
- In periods of poor road conditions
- The road is wet
- The road is crowded
- Your vision is limited
- It is dark
- You feel it is necessary based on your physical condition or the condition of your vehicle
Contact our Lubbock Tailgating Accident Attorneys today
Tailgating Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Tailgating accidents may lead to injuries associated with rear-end collisions, including:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Contusions
- Concussions
When high speeds are involved in a tailgating accident, serious injuries like the following may result:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Complex fractures
- Internal damage
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How Our Team Can Help
Every year, our firm represents more than 7,000 clients in Lubbock, Dallas, and surrounding areas in Texas. We make a difference in our cases because we:
Establish Liability
In a motor vehicle collision case, one of the key considerations is how the accident happened. In a case involving tailgating, our team will quickly get to work to establish that the other driver was driving carelessly by tailgating. We can gather evidence to establish this legal element, such as:
- The accident report
- Eyewitness reports
- Photographs from the accident scene
- Videos from traffic cameras or nearby businesses that captured the accident
- Physical damage to the vehicle that implies a rear-end collision
- Electronic vehicle information
- Cell phone records
- Testimony from expert witnesses
Our tireless advocacy can help establish that the other driver’s negligent behavior caused the accident, and they should be required to compensate you for the damages you sustained.
Accurately Estimate Damages
Our lawyers understand the potential damages that tailgating accident victims may suffer as a result of another driver’s negligent actions. We will gather evidence of the damages you sustained, including:
- Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your vehicle
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Our lawyers will ensure that your demand package accurately communicates how your injuries have impacted your life.
Contact Our Team Today for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a tailgating accident, a Lubbock tailgating accident lawyer from Loncar Associates can assist you with every aspect of your claim. We can handle your claim while you focus on your medical recovery. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, we only get paid for our services if we help recover compensation on your behalf. Your initial consultation is always free. Call us today at (877) 239-4878 to get the help you need.
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