When drivers act negligently on our roadways, they put innocent drivers at risk of injury or even death from car accidents that should not occur in the first place. One example of negligent driving is tailgating, which can occur when a car rides too close to the “tail” of the car in front of it. If the car in front suddenly has to hit their brakes, the tailgating vehicle could cause an accident, leading to injuries and property damages.
If you are looking to prove liability from a tailgating accident, a Los Angeles tailgating lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you. Our team of Los Angeles car accident lawyers may be able to provide you with advice and legal recourse options to obtain fair compensation for your damages.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we offer free case reviews that allow potential clients to explain their accident and injuries in detail. To learn more about filing a personal injury claim, or any other inquiries about your tailgating accident, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444.
California’s Tailgating Laws
As mandated by California Vehicle Code 21703, cars on roadways in the state must keep a “reasonable and prudent” distance between their car and the one directly ahead of them. Here is the exact language used to describe tailgating from Code 21703:
“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.”
Additionally, California Vehicle Code 21704 addresses the exact distance in which drivers in Los Angeles and the entire State of California must abide by when driving behind a fellow driver. The code has two parts and states:
“(a) The driver of any motor vehicle subject to the speed restriction of Section 22406 that is operated outside of a business or residence district, shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not prevent overtaking and passing, nor shall they apply upon a highway with two or more lanes for traffic in the direction of travel.”
Thus, when cars are not driving 300 feet or more behind you, they could be tailgating you. If you are unsure how to prove that the driver that struck your vehicle was tailgating you at the time of your accident, the attorneys of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to assist you with on-location lawyers who can investigate your claim.
Filing a Claim with a Tailgating Lawyer
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will not only help you investigate your claim, but a Los Angeles tailgating lawyer from our firm may also help you file a claim and represent you during the process. Our first step will be to consider the evidence you can personally provide our tailgating lawyers. From there, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will conduct our own investigation to prove negligence and liability.
If you were driving your vehicle and hit your brakes suddenly out of spite for the car tailgating you from behind, you may potentially lose your legal recourse options. Yet, if you were to hit your brakes for a red light, stop sign, or due to a sudden obstacle in the road, the tailgater could be deemed negligent and liable.
When a driver who hit you failed to abide by either of the related California Vehicle Codes, they failed to provide reasonable care to drive safely and without negligence. Once you establish negligence with the help of a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm car accident attorney, we can then begin to calculate a monetary value for all the damages you incurred.
Such damages for a tailgating car accident may include, but are not limited to:
- Medical bills (current or future)
- Lost wages
- Limited earning capacity
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
To learn more about possible compensation for your damages after a Los Angeles tailgating accident, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. You may also reach us online by completing our contact form.
For a free legal consultation with a Tailgating Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Typical Injuries from Tailgating Accidents
According to The Washington Post, there are nearly 1.7 million rear-end car accidents in the U.S. annually. Furthermore, there are roughly 2,500 fatalities each year due to rear-end collisions each year in the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Because these accidents are so common in this country, it is important to understand the type of injuries you may face. Injuries from a tailgating accident can range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic ones. Some common types of injuries from tailgating accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder, arm, or wrist injuries
- Lacerations
- Major cuts
- Burns
Los Angeles Tailgating Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to File a Los Angeles Tailgating Accident Personal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident in Los Angeles and suspect the car was tailgating, you may have legal recourse options with the help of a Los Angeles tailgating lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Our team of personal injury lawyers may travel to meet with you and begin a full investigation to determine negligence and to pinpoint liability.
You may be entitled to financial compensation for a tailgating accident in Los Angeles, which may cover your damages and any other expenses you have incurred as a result of your car accident. To begin a free consultation with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, call us today at (800) 794-0444.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form