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Tailgating and driving too closely behind another vehicle can be deadly. A driver who tailgates may not have enough time to stop if the vehicle in front of them stops or slows down.
If you were involved in a wreck that was caused by or involved tailgating in Columbus, North Carolina, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. A Columbus tailgating accident lawyer from our firm may be able to manage your insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit. The recoverable damages may include your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
For a free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our car accident team, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866. We may be able to offer you representation on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required.
Stopping and Maintaining a Safe Driving Distance
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are several determinants of how far your vehicle may travel when you need to stop. The first is your reaction time. The longer you take to realize you need to stop, the farther along the road you will travel. Driver intoxication and distraction are two factors that can reduce your reaction time in response to road hazards or changes in driving conditions that require you to stop or slow down.
The second factor is speed. The faster you are traveling, the farther you will travel per second, even once you start to apply the brakes.
Other factors that can affect your ability to slow down or come to a stop are the size and weight of your vehicle, the condition of the road, and the condition of your tires and brakes.
When it comes to tailgating accidents, the dangers of many of these factors are amplified because there is less stopping distance between vehicles.
Tailgating and Liability in North Carolina
General Statutes (GS) §20-152 is a North Carolina traffic law that defines how close a driver should follow the vehicle in front of them. This statute says that drivers must leave a “reasonable and prudent” distance between their vehicle and the one they are following, and that this determination should take into account road conditions, traffic, and the speed of the vehicles.
This law may help establish the rear driver’s liability in a tailgating accident. Other types of traffic law violations can also establish negligence, such as:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Illegal turn or lane change
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
- Texting while driving
A Columbus tailgating accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can investigate your accident for evidence of the responsible party’s liability when we represent you. This evidence may include:
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- The police report
- Your medical records
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
If you believe that another party’s negligence caused your accident, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866. A member of our car accident team is standing by to discuss your accident and your legal options with a free case review.
Car Accident Injuries and Damages
A vehicle collision can be a traumatic experience, irrespective of how it occurs. Although many modern vehicles come equipped with advanced collision detection and avoidance systems, automatic braking technology, front and rear crumple zones, and other safety features, accidents can lead to serious bodily harm, significant medical treatment expenses, and time away from work.
If you or your lawyer can establish the responsible party’s liability in your wreck, they owe you compensation for all of the resultant damages that arise from the wreck. Depending on the details of your case, these damages can include:
- Ambulance fees, emergency room treatment, and hospital stays
- Costs of ongoing medical treatment, both current and future
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost income, if your recovery period forced you to miss work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Legal Assistance and Filing a Claim
If you qualify, a Columbus tailgating accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can manage all of the legal work in your case while you concentrate on your recovery. We may be able to help you by:
- Answering your questions and providing you with legal advice
- Investigating your accident and determining who was at fault
- Identifying potentially compensable damages that you may be able to file a claim for
- Estimating and evaluating your losses and damages
- Communicating with all parties on your behalf
- Filing your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
- Negotiating with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Bringing your case to trial, if necessary
The Statute of Limitations in North Carolina
If you are thinking of taking legal action for your injuries, do not delay. Per GS §1-52, there is a general three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in North Carolina. Failure to take legal action by this deadline could mean that your lawsuit gets dismissed.
While many car accident cases reach an out-of-court settlement, retaining your right to sue can give you leverage in settlement negotiations and may provide you with an alternative method to pursue compensation if the responsible party’s insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Today
A Columbus tailgating accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC may be able to manage your case from start to finish when we represent you.
To learn more about our services and your legal options in a free case review with our car accident team, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866. We may be able to take your tailgating accident case on a contingency-fee-basis, where you do not pay us attorney fees unless and until you recover compensation.
