What kind of Accidents does following too closely cause?
Following too Closely is the leading cause of rear-end accidents that happen over and over again. Whether you are 150 feet behind someone or 20 feet the driver that engages in following too closely never ends up in a situation where they gain anything. In fact they can only lose by hurting their property and themselves along with hurting innocent people yet in the USA we have an epidemic on our hands.
If you have been in an accident that was caused by a driver Following too Closely call Betz & Barilwe can help you prove your case and hold the person responsible for your medical bills, lost wages & Pain and suffering.
What do the Tennessee Courts say about following too Closely?
The Following too closely law in Tennessee prohibits drivers from following another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent.” The measure also requires drivers to have “due regard for the speed of other vehicles, the traffic, and other highway conditions.”
Following a vehicle at a reasonable distance gives drivers enough space to stop and avoid hitting the front vehicle if it suddenly stops. The following too closely law has been challenged unsuccessfully in the past.
Motorists have challenged the Following Too Closely law in the past. A Tennessee Appeals Court upheld the following too closely law that was challenged on a Constitutional basis but the Court said that the following too closely law passes Constitutional muster.
When is too close breaking the following too closely law?
In Tennessee people are advised to follow the two-second rule. The Comprehensive driver Manual articulates the following:
- When the car in front of you passes a sign post, a building or other stationary point, count the seconds it takes for you to reach the same point.
- Count to yourself, “one-thousand and one, one-thousand and two,” etc. If you reach that same stationary point before you finish counting to at least one-thousand and two, you are following too closely.
- If you are following too closely, increase the space between you and the front car by slowing down.
- Look for another stationary point and repeat the exercise to make sure you are following no closer than two seconds.
Is there anything else I should know about the two-second rule?
Yes, there is and it is going to require the ability to get past counting to two. Fortunately, we can remain on hand one but at night a driver should increase the distance to four seconds and the additional seconds should improve visibility which will allow for safe conditions at night.
How do I prove the rear driver was following to closely?
Helpful evidence to gather when building your case includes:
- A police report of your accident
- Testimony from eyewitnesses to the car accident
- Traffic camera video or surveillance video
- Your medical records that describe the nature and extent of your injuries
- Photographs of your injuries
- write down weather conditions
- keep a journal as to your pain and suffering.
- Photographs of the accident scene
What type of damages are available if I can prove liability?
First are Compensatory Damages:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of Consortium
Compensatory Damages are to make the injured party whole. In other words, to compensate for the wrong doing. In some instances such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), reckless driving and other similar situations punitive damages maybe also come into play. Punitive damages are different than compensatory damages in that they are to punish and deter conduct.
How likely am I to get any of these damages?
There are many factors and just because someone is liable does not mean a favorable outcome as damages and collectability come into play and as a Plaintiff you need all three to recover. Betz and Baril is standing by and ready to assist you in you case against one of these drivers. Just call 865-888–8888.
Different Types of Buses
A bus is classified as a passenger vehicle with the capacity to carry more than 10 people at a time, carrying two axles and six tires or three or more axles. As such, these vehicles can weigh well over 10,000 pounds and in many cases do not have safety devices like seatbelts to protect their passengers. Because of this, injuries in bus crashes oftentimes involve passenger ejection or even driver ejection.
The following is a summary of the various types of buses:
- Charter buses
- Coach
- Double-decker bus
- Minibus
- School buses
- Sleeper bus
- Trolleybus
- to name a few.
Buses generally are used for commercial purposes, however they can be converted and people sometimes use them for personal travel or long trips. When sharing the road with a bus always remember to drive defensively and avoid their blind spots. Never assume the bus sees your vehicle, and for pedestrians it is especially important to be aware that the drive may have difficulty spotting you.
Liability for Bus Accidents
Liability for Bus accidents are complex, and the careless acts of more than one person or entity may be the cause of the accident. In Tennessee, all motorists have a duty of care when operating their vehicles. Bus drivers and bus companies, however, must exercise a higher duty of care to ensure the safety of their passengers.
This includes not only safe driving on the part of the bus driver, but also bus inspection and proper maintenance on the part of the bus company which can create liability. A range of federal regulations govern bus operation to ensure the safety of passengers. Despite the heightened level of care and government regulations, a negligent bus driver or bus company may still cause a catastrophic collision. A bus accident may have multiple causes. Several factors may lead to a bus accident, including:
- Driver-related factors, such as speed, fatigue, or failure to yield the right-of-way
- Vehicle deficiencies, such as a defective tire or lack of maintenance
- Dangerous roadway conditions
- Alcohol or drug use
- Driver inexperience
- Speeding
- Poor visibility
ties may cause an accident, it does not have to be just one party. If a bus accident was caused by the reckless actions of one or more parties, they may be held accountable for any injuries that result from the accident. If you were involved in a bus accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
It is important to conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify which parties caused the accident and are liable for your injuries. Once the negligent parties are identified, you can potentially file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your medical bills, any extended long-term care, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Bus accidents can also result in death. You may file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was if you lost a relative in a bus accident. This can allow you to recover for your loved one’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of consortium. Call Betz and Baril, experienced bus accident attorneys that will fight to get you all the compensation you deserve.
Injuries Associated with Bus Crashes
In 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported over 20,000 injuries caused by bus accidents and 254 deaths nationwide. The harm that is done during an accident can be enough to permanently alter or end a life, as the statistics express.
Based on crash data, the following injuries are some of the most common physical damage caused by a bus accident:
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Facial Disfigurement
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Passenger ejection
- Whiplash
- and more
After an accident it is vital to seek medical attention immediately, even if it does not appear that you have been injured. The symptoms of internal organ damage can sometimes take up to a week or more to manifest, and a physician will be able to diagnose any suspicious signs before they become an issue.
If you are the victim of serious personal injury from a bus crash in Tennessee, contact Betz & Baril and explore the rights you have to file a claim against the negligent party or parties.