Following Too Close? Understanding Tailgating Charges in PA
If you have a fondness for the open road, the last thing you need is to accumulate points on your license. However, this fondness often leads to reckless driving or a police officer wrongfully pulling you over.
While they can charge you with reckless driving, it matters what kind it is. Tailgating is also a common cause of car accidents, leading to serious property damage and injuries. Understanding PA’s laws on tailgating and identifying fault is critical if you’re involved in such an incident. If you have been charged with tailgating, this blog is for you.
We’re discussing what tailgating is and how an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help.
Tailgating: What Does it Entail?
When a driver follows too closely behind another car, it’s a driving behavior that’s referred to as tailgating. The distance between the vehicles does not allow the following driver to react if the leading vehicle suddenly stops or slows down. The likelihood of a collision is drastically increased by tailgating.
While tailgating might be considered by some as merely impatient driving behavior or a harmless habit, it’s still illegal and dangerous. Tailgating has the potential to cause serious accidents, often leading to rear-end accidents, harming passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. High-speed areas, weather conditions, or heavy traffic are a few adverse factors where the necessary stopping gap increases, amplifying the danger. That’s why prompt action by a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is essential.
Tailgating Legal Consequences
Tailgating can cause considerable legal troubles, including:
- Traffic tickets: Tailgating is a traffic violation, so you could receive a citation if a police officer observes the incident.
- Point accumulation: Traffic violations can lead to the addition of points to your driving record. You might receive 2 points for tailgating. Collecting several points usually results in hefty insurance premiums or driver’s license suspension.
- Charges of reckless driving: In certain situations, tailgating escalates into charges of reckless driving. If your behavior is considered dangerous or aggressive, you can face more severe penalties, including potential incarceration and fines. In PA, reckless driving is a serious offense, carrying harsh consequences.
- Civil liability: You might be liable for damages if an accident is caused by tailgating. This includes medical expenses and property damage remuneration. You might be required to pay out of your pocket.
How We Can Help
If you’re facing consequences due to tailgating, Logue Law Group has the best Pittsburgh criminal lawyers to help you. We shall begin by analyzing the case details and assessing the circumstances surrounding the issue. This includes evaluating all the evidence, such as witness statements or police reports.
From here, we will help you understand the possible legal consequences, whether it’s points on your driving record, fines, or even more serious ramifications. Our goal is to help reduce the charges’ impacts on you. We might negotiate on your behalf for minimized penalties or other solutions.
An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can provide you with invaluable guidance. They can take care of legalities, evaluate your case, and gather exculpatory evidence. Contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com today. Our firm has a team of seasoned lawyers who are ready to help you with advice and representation.