When an aggressive driver follows too closely, you’re left with impossible choices: brake suddenly and risk being hit or maintain your speed while hoping they back off. When a tailgating driver causes an accident, the results can be devastating, leaving you with serious injuries, medical bills, and an inability to work.
Even when the other driver was clearly following too closely, proving fault and securing fair compensation requires the support from a McAllen car accident lawyer. A legal advocate not only understands Texas traffic laws but also knows how to build a compelling case for your maximum compensation.
How Does Tailgating Lead to Car Accidents?
Tailgating occurs when drivers aggressively follow another vehicle without maintaining a safe following distance. Texas law explicitly prohibits this dangerous behavior, recognizing it as a form of aggressive driving that puts all motorists at risk. When drivers tailgate, they reduce their reaction time, creating hazardous conditions that lead to serious collisions.
At high speeds, vehicles need enough distance to stop safely. A tailgating driver eliminates this safety buffer, making accidents nearly unavoidable when traffic conditions change suddenly. Even a moment’s delay in reaction time can result in a rear-end collision.
Types of Injuries Common in Rear-End Collisions
The force of impact in a tailgating accident can cause severe trauma to drivers and their passengers. The sudden, violent jerking motion creates intense pressure on the body, particularly affecting the spine, neck, and head.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Herniated discs
- Facial lacerations
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Nerve damage
Proving Fault in a Texas Tailgating Accident Case
Texas follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the responsible driver must compensate victims for their losses. If you were injured by a tailgating driver, you will need sufficient evidence that proves their dangerous behavior.
For example, video footage from nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams can provide visual proof of the tailgating behavior leading up to the crash. Eyewitness testimony from other drivers or pedestrians who observed the aggressive driving pattern can help clarify the moments leading up to the collision and corroborate your version of events.
A Texas car accident attorney will know how to gather and present compelling evidence that establishes the other driver’s responsibility. They can analyze vehicle damage and skid marks, interview witnesses from the scene, and enlist the help of experts who can help reconstruct the accident sequence.
Additionally, your personal injury lawyer in McAllen will understand how to deal with insurance companies and counter common tactics that may be used to shift liability and reduce the company’s financial responsibility. They will negotiate aggressively with strong evidence that proves the other driver’s liability while fighting for a full and fair settlement.
Get Help with Your Tailgating Accident Claim
Do not let an aggressive driver’s reckless behavior derail your life. If you have been injured in a tailgating accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage.
De La Garza Law Firm understands the frustration and anxiety you are feeling—Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Contact us at (956) 533-1426 for a free consultation with our Texas car accident attorneys and begin your journey to justice.
