Jackson, TN Tailgating Accidents
We have all seen that one driver who was driving dangerously close to the end of another vehicle. Many of us have actually been the driver being tailgated – or “followed too closely.” Despite the apparent dangers associated with tailgating and the fact that Tennessee law (Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-124) states motorists shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is prudent and reasonable, many drivers still tailgate – whether it is unintentional or due to road rage. If you were injured due to a tailgating accident caused by another driver, you may be able to recover damages with the guidance of a car accident lawyer. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our Jackson car accident lawyers can help you pursue a legal claim. The NST team is comprised of 33 diligent attorneys and 120 dedicated staff members. Over the past 30 years, our firm has recovered more than $1.5 billion in compensation for injured victims and their loved ones.
Establishing Negligence for a Tailgating Accident
Many tailgating collisions occur because of the inability of the driver tailgating to properly react within the diminished distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. For example, let us say that you spent most of your day touring the Century Farm Winery at 1548 Lower Brownsville Road. Afterwards, you ate dinner and headed home. On your way home, you saw a speeding driver far away in your rearview mirror. Within seconds, the driver was directly behind – maintaining only a few feet between their vehicle and your bumper. You stopped at a red light, but the vehicle behind you smashed into the back of your vehicle. The driver that was tailgating you may be liable for the accident.
As with many other motor vehicle accidents, the person injured must prove the other driver’s negligence to successfully pursue compensation. To establish negligence in the instance of the previous example, you could say that the driver behind you had a duty while driving to maintain an adequate space between your vehicle and theirs, failed to do so, and injured you as a result. Even if you think you have a foolproof claim, you should consider hiring a practiced tailgating accident attorney in the Jackson area. The other driver may claim that your brake lights were not working, stating that as the reason why they rear-ended you. The State of Tennessee operates under modified comparative negligence, so if a court finds you partially responsible for the crash, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of blame attributed to you. However, if you are found to be 50% at fault or more, you will not receive any recovery. A lawyer could defend you from allegations of comparative fault.
The injuries caused by a tailgating accident can vary depending on multiple factors regarding the accident, such as the speed upon impact and the type of road on which the wreck occurred. After sustaining injuries from an accident, you should seek medical attention, which many people in Jackson do at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital – located at 620 Skyline Dr., Jackson, TN 38301. If you missed work while in the hospital due to an accident, you may be able to recover economic damages for medical bills and lost wages. For intangible aspects such as loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and worsening of prior injuries, you may be entitled to non-economic damages.
Hire a Tailgating Accident Lawyer in the Jackson Area
Tailgating accidents can be devastating for anyone involved, and the outcomes can be unpredictable. If you are injured in a tailgating crash in the Jackson area, you may be able to recover compensatory damages. Our accident attorneys serve victims throughout Tennessee, including in Jackson. Call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form to set up a free appointment with a motor vehicle collision lawyer. Once you talk with us, you will understand why NST is the way to go.
