The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 29 percent of all motor vehicle collisions are rear-end crashes, making this the most commonly occurring type of motor vehicle accident.
Rear-end accidents can occur if a driver does not leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. Should the driver in front suddenly need to stop, the driver behind might not have enough room or time to brake without causing a collision. So, when an impatient or aggressive driver tailgates another driver, they put that driver and potentially others on the roadway at risk of being injured in an accident.
If you were injured in a rear-end accident due to an aggressive tailgater, a Greenville tailgating accident attorney from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can help you with your case. We can handle the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on your recovery. Call us today to learn more about how our team can help.
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Give Us A Call »Tailgating Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries to the Driver in Front
Common injuries associated with rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash, a condition that develops after the neck and head suddenly jerk back and forth upon being struck from behind
- Soft tissue injuries to the neck, shoulder, and other parts of the body
- Concussions
These injuries can happen in accidents at low speeds. However, when higher speeds are involved, serious injuries are more likely to occur, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Crushing injuries
- Internal injuries
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There Are Other Reasons Drivers Tailgate Besides Being in a Hurry
People often tailgate because they are in a hurry. They may believe that if they get behind other drivers, then those drivers will move over for them, allowing them to reach their destination faster. However, tailgating was listed by the NHTSA as one of the main signs of aggressive driving. In a national survey the organization conducted, 17 percent of drivers reported being tailgated.
Other common reasons that people decide to tailgate include:
- Driver inexperience
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Habitual tailgating normalizes the behavior
- Distracted driving
Whether you were injured because a driver was being aggressive or not paying attention, you can contact our team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers. Call us to learn more about how our tailgating accident attorneys in Greenville can help build a personal injury claim for your case.
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864-407-4000South Carolina Traffic Laws Prohibit Tailgating
Most states have specific laws prohibiting tailgating or dictating how far apart vehicles should be from each other while in motion.
For example, South Carolina’s Driver’s Manual published by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles says that drivers “should always try to keep a minimum following distance of four seconds” between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. Additionally, drivers should increase their following distance by at least one more second when driving at night or at least two more seconds when driving on unfamiliar roads at night. The driver’s manual also instructs drivers not to tailgate in work zones and warns them that they can be fined and have points assessed against their driving record if they do.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services also mentions that tailgating is prohibited in its driver’s manual. They list tailgating as aggressive driving behavior and instruct drivers to keep three to four seconds away from other vehicles to avoid collisions.
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Give Us A Call »Common Tactics Used By Insurance Companies and How Our Team Can Help
After an accident, it is common for insurance adjusters to contact victims and ask if they are okay. This may seem like they are concerned, but insurance adjusters work for the insurance company to protect their interests. Therefore, you need to watch out for the following tactics:
They Might Blame You for the Accident
The insurance adjuster might try to use any statement you give them against you. For example, the adjuster might pay attention to whether you said you stopped suddenly or were not familiar with the road, which are both factors that can be used against you if you admit to them. You may be able to avoid this tactic by refusing to give a recorded statement and letting your personal injury lawyer handle communication with the insurance company instead.
Our personal injury team will also gather evidence to support your version of how the accident happened, such as:
- The accident report
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos of the vehicle damage
- Video footage from traffic cameras or dash cams
They Might Try to Minimize Your Injuries
If you say that you are “fine” after an insurance adjuster asks how you are doing, it can potentially complicate your claim, even though you said it as a standard response and not an indication of your health.
The insurance adjuster may scrutinize every medical treatment you received and question whether it was really necessary. Our team can gather medical records that show the connection between the accident, your injuries, and your treatment. We will also factor in medical treatments that are anticipated for the future.
They Might Try to Negotiate for a Low Figure
One of the most common tricks that insurance adjusters play is to try to offer you a low settlement figure before you have the chance to retain a personal injury lawyer who can better estimate the full extent of your damages. Alternatively, the insurance company may needlessly deny your claim to make you desperate to accept any settlement.
You do not have to fall for these tactics. A personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
Contact Our Team Today for Help
If you or a loved one was injured by a tailgater, a Greenville tailgating accident lawyer from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we charge no attorney’s fees unless you recover compensation for your claim. There is no risk, and the initial consultation is always free. Call us today to get the help you need.
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