Fort Worth Tailgating Lawyer
Most drivers in Fort Worth have experienced the frustration of another vehicle following too closely behind them on the road. Not only is this annoying, but it’s also very dangerous. Tailgating can easily lead to an accident that results in injuries, high medical costs, lost wages, and more. If you or someone you love was hurt because of a tailgater, don’t wait to speak to a seasoned Fort Worth tailgating lawyer as soon as you can.
At Dallas car accident law firm, our tailgating lawyers are dedicated to helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve. We do not charge you a fee unless we win you money, and the consultation is free—so there are no upfront costs to you.
To schedule a FREE consultation with the best lawyer for your case today, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online.
Why Tailgating is So Dangerous in Fort Worth
When one driver tailgates another, it prevents both drivers from being able to react to dangerous conditions. For example, if something happens that causes the front driver to brake quickly, the rear driver will not have enough time to slow down and prevent an accident.
It’s vital that all vehicles have a safe distance between those around them. Tailgating removes that safe distance and greatly increases the risk of an accident.
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone tailgating, you are likely entitled to full compensation for all of your damages. It’s best to reach out to a car accident lawyer who specializes in tailgating accidents in the Fort Worth area. To get a FREE consultation with one of our experienced and trusted attorneys, call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online.
What Texas Law Says About Tailgating and Safe Following Distances
According to Texas Transportation Code section 545.062, drivers following other vehicles should keep “an assured clear distance” between their vehicles and the other vehicles.
Texas drivers should also ensure that they can safely stop without crashing into the front vehicle or having to veer into another vehicle (or something else) on the road. This includes taking into account the speed of vehicles on the road, traffic conditions, and road conditions that impact what a safe following distance means.
While the Texas statute is fairly vague and doesn’t give specific distances for following, drivers should use their good judgment to determine a safe amount of space. It’s typically best to provide at least two seconds of space between vehicles—and more during bad weather. Drivers can measure this by measuring the seconds between when the front car’s rear bumper crosses a fixed object on the road and when the driver’s bumper crosses the same object.
Reasons Tailgating Happens in Fort Worth
There is no one reason why a driver might tailgate in Fort Worth. However, most of the time, tailgating happens due to impatience or aggressiveness. Drivers who tailgate are often in a hurry and trying to pass before they have enough space.
Sometimes, tailgating happens when a driver has road rage and is simply trying to be aggressive with their vehicle.
No matter why a driver is tailgating, it’s a bad idea and very dangerous to everyone on the road.
Fort Worth Car Accidents That Happen Because of Tailgating
Rear-end accidents are the most common types of crashes that result from tailgating. That’s because the front vehicle might use their brakes quickly and the tailgating vehicle will have insufficient time to respond and avoid an accident.
Tailgating can also lead to sideswipe accidents if the driver ends up swerving to avoid hitting the vehicle in front. If the vehicles are on a two-way road without a median, very serious head-on collisions can also happen.
Injuries That Can Result from Tailgating
Many different types of injuries can happen in a tailgating accident. The most common is likely whiplash injuries, which happen a lot during rear-end collisions. Other common injuries may include:
- Head injuries
- Concussions
- Shoulder and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Bruises and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- And more
It’s imperative to get medical treatment right away after a tailgating accident, even if you feel okay. You could have underlying issues that have not fully manifested yet. You will need to know the full extent of your medical needs before you can file a claim seeking compensation.
What to Do If Someone Starts Tailgating Your Vehicle
If you are driving on a road in Fort Worth and another driver begins tailgating your car, your inclination might be to react aggressively or do something to show the driver that they are wrong. However, it’s best to handle a tailgater by getting away from them as soon as possible.
Trying to react will just distract you from your own attention on the road, which is also dangerous. Your duty, just like other drivers, is to stay safe, and that typically involves letting the tailgating driver pass you or safely moving away from them.
On the other hand, if a driver is tailgating you and it leads to an accident, you will want to stay around and gather information.
How to Handle a Tailgating Accident in Fort Worth
If you were injured in a car accident caused by tailgating, the best thing you can do is work with an experienced attorney. Since most car accident lawyers work on contingency (meaning they do not charge a fee unless they win you money), there are typically no upfront costs to you.
Other than contacting a lawyer, you can also begin gathering information to help your claim. That includes:
- A copy of the police report (which should be filed after you report the accident to the police)
- Pictures from the accident scene
- Eyewitness contact information
- Notes about your feelings right after the accident
- Contact information for the other driver(s) involved in the accident
- Medical bills, receipts, and other records of your damages
You should also avoid apologizing or admitting any blame in the accident, even if you are not yet sure exactly how it was caused. Talk to a lawyer first who can investigate the details and help you handle communication with the other driver’s insurance company. This is the best way to protect your rights and work towards the compensation you deserve.
Get a Free, No-Risk Consultation with a Fort Worth Tailgating Lawyer Today
Our Dallas car accident lawyers always start with a FREE consultation and case evaluation. We can go over the details of your claim, let you know if you have a case, and discuss your best options. If you decide to work with us, there is no fee unless we win for you.
To get started with your FREE consultation as soon as possible, give us a call at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.
