It’s important to keep a safe driving distance when driving behind another vehicle. Unfortunately, some drivers forget or neglect this rule and there are disastrous consequences. Tailgating is driving without leaving enough space between your car and the car in front of you, and the act is illegal in Texas because of the dangers it poses. If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident caused by a tailgater, you might be wondering whether you’re eligible for compensation. Thankfully, our law firm has the answers you need! Read this blog today to learn more about tailgating accidents in Texas or how a San Antonio, Texas Car Accident Lawyer can provide high-quality legal counseling.
ARE TAILGATING ACCIDENTS COMMON IN TEXAS?
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States every year. Statistics show that about one-third of all car accidents per year are rear-end collisions. Each year there are approximately 23,000 tailgating accidents in Texas alone. It’s safe to say this is an issue that all drivers should be aware of.
WHY DO DRIVERS TAILGATE?
There are many different reasons why a driver might tailgate the car in front of them. Most often, tailgating happens when a driver is in a rush and angrily follows closely behind the vehicle in front of them. In other words, tailgating usually stems from impatience. However, there are other common causes of tailgating, such as:
- Distractions, such as texting while driving
- Intoxication/impairment from alcohol or drugs
- Road rage and aggression
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A TAILGATING ACCIDENT?
Immediately call the proper authorities after any vehicle accident. Police officers and medical professionals should arrive on the scene to file an official report of the accident, treat any injured victims on the scene, and transport injured victims to the nearest hospital if needed. A police offer at the scene will likely interview everyone involved in the accident and witnesses to determine who was at fault for the accident. Texas is a fault-based state, so the driver who caused the accident will be responsible for covering damages for the victim.
While a tailgating accident victim might be able to earn compensation for some of their medical expenses, the at-fault driver’s insurance usually doesn’t cover everything. Hence, many victims choose to file a personal injury claim to earn further restitution for their pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. An attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove that the at-fault driver’s negligence directly led to the accident that subsequently caused your injuries.
Have you recently been injured in a tailgating accident in Texas? Are you seeking a highly experienced personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because Sahadi Legal Group is here to fight for you! Contact our effective team today for an initial consultation.