Aggressive driving puts everyone on the road at risk. It causes many auto accidents each year – and while completely preventable, aggressive driving can have fatal impacts. South Carolina, in particular, is known for its fast and often reckless drivers. Recklessness behind the wheel only becomes more dangerous when combined with the heavy volume of vehicles clogging our roadways. Word of advice – Tailgating is dangerous too.
Let’s explain!
Tailgating is one common form of aggressive driving in which the driver does not maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them. This reduction in stopping distance is the leading cause of rear-end accidents – which account for 29% of all collisions here in the United States.
Research also shows that tailgating is dangerous and wrecks result in 2,000 deaths and approximately one million injuries annually – a startling statistic considering that these accidents are avoidable. While some are minor, the injuries caused by rear-end collisions can also be severe. That is why our Charleston car accident lawyers recommend always leaving at least three seconds worth of space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision caused by another driver’s recklessness, contact Hoffman Law Firm today. Our personal injury lawyers will fight to maximize the compensation you receive for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages and more.
How to Avoid a Rear-End Collision
Tailgating has become a common practice, one that almost every driver has experienced. Indeed, tailgating is dangerous, reckless and the simplest way to avoid a rear-end collision is to leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you plenty of time to stop if the car ahead of you brakes unexpectedly. Here are some other ways to avoid a rear-end car crash:
- Never text and drive.
Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can result in a wreck. South Carolina law prohibits texting and driving, and while using hands-free devices is still allowed, it is best to keep your focus on driving instead of answering calls.
- Don’t react to road rage.
Be sure to remain calm, regardless of other drivers’ actions. Stopping quickly while the driver behind you is tailgating will not “teach them a lesson,” but may result in a rear-end collision.
- Obey the speed limit.
Because speeding increases your chances of a car crash, always follow the speed limit and other rules of the road. Keep in mind that it is much more difficult to slow down to avoid hitting another vehicle or pedestrian when you are speeding.
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
Traffic can be unpredictable, especially here in the Charleston, SC area. Prepare ahead of time for delays and leave early for appointments. You may be tempted to speed or drive aggressively if you are running late.
- Adjust your following distance in harsh weather conditions.
While snow and ice are uncommon, Charleston sees its fair share of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Reduced visibility and slippery road conditions can have a disastrous impact – especially if you are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you.To avoid a rear-end collision, reduce your speed and put extra distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
How Can a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
If you have been involved in a car crash, our experienced team can help. Many drivers don’t understand tailgating is dangerous – plus other hazardous driving behaviors as well. And once, you are injured by these reckless driving behaviors, we can help!
No matter how minor your injuries or vehicle damage, you deserve fair compensation. That is what our Charleston car accident lawyers will advocate for, offering trusted legal advice each step of the way. We will even handle communication with the insurance company and auto repair shop so that you can focus on healing.
Here are some ways that our car accident lawyers can help:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence and strengthen your personal injury case.
- Explain your legal options moving forward.
- Interview witnesses to get a better idea of what occurred.
- Find expert witnesses to provide testimony in court if necessary.
- Obtain footage from nearby video cameras.
- Analyze cell phone records to prove aggressive or distracted driving.
- For trucking accidents, obtain “black box” data.
- Determine the monetary value of your pain and suffering.
- Demand a fair settlement and negotiate with the insurance company as needed.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare to file an accident lawsuit and go to trial.
Hoffman Law Firm Is Here to Help You. Call Us Today!
Because some people consider rear-end collisions to be relatively minor, they often decline legal representation. This can be a major mistake, one that leaves compensation unclaimed and lets the negligent driver off the hook.
Here at Hoffman Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys will hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions and help recover the compensation you deserve. If you lost a loved one in a car crash, we can also handle your wrongful death claim and demand justice on behalf of the deceased.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation in a wide variety of cases here in the Lowcountry, including:
When seeking a skilled Charleston personal injury lawyer near me, choose Hoffman Law Firm. We are ready with your initial free consultation today!