Hawk Law Group | October 28, 2022 | Car Accidents

Car Accidents Caused By Brake Checking in Georgia

Brake checking is negative driving behavior that puts the driver and others in the surrounding area at risk. It can cause accidents resulting in property damage and significant injury.

If you’re involved in a car accident that was caused by brake checking, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. Getting legal help can substantially help improve your chances of reaching a beneficial outcome and obtaining compensation. 

What Is Brake Checking?

Brake checking is when the front driver quickly and aggressively presses on their brakes out of nowhere. Drivers often brake check to scare or shock the drivers behind them.

It is common for drivers to brake check as punishment to rear drivers who are tailgating them. Tailgating means a driver leaves little distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, failing to provide enough room should the front vehicle stop suddenly. Reckless and aggressive drivers often brake check as well. 

Brake checking is dangerous and can result in unfortunate collisions. 

Brake checking is illegal in Georgia, as it is in many other states.

Georgia law states drivers must not follow the vehicles in front of them more closely than is reasonable. They must also account for speed, traffic, and road and weather conditions when determining how much space between vehicles is prudent. 

Brake checking in Georgia can not only result in legal consequences for drivers, but it could also end in an unnecessary car wreck. 

Collisions Caused By Brake Checking

Without a doubt, the most common type of car accident that happens through brake checking in Georgia is a rear-end collision. Rear-end accidents happen when the vehicle behind collides with the vehicle in front of them. 

Rear-end collisions are most common with brake checking because, when the driver in front suddenly engages their brakes, the vehicle behind often doesn’t have enough time or space to make a safe stop. 

These accidents can result in extensive damage to both vehicles: the rear vehicle’s front end and the front vehicle’s rear. Severe injuries are also common with rear-end collisions, including injuries to the head and neck, back, and spinal cord. 

The Issue With Rear-End Collisions

It is not uncommon for challenges to arise when handling a car accident claim. However, rear-end collisions are unique and particularly difficult, particularly when it comes to liability. 

Liability for rear-end accidents is usually placed on the rear driver. Because the rear vehicle is the one that physically crashes into the front vehicle, the finger is usually pointed at the rear driver, resulting in them facing financial responsibility. 

Due to this assumption, rear-end collision claims are hard to deal with when the rear driver is not actually at fault. In reality, the front driver can be just as much at fault as the rear driver in a rear-end accident. 

Therefore, for rear drivers who are not at fault, handling a rear-end collision case takes special knowledge and skill. 

Strong evidence can help build a case, including:

  • Videos
  • Traffic cam footage
  • Surveillance footage
  • Dashcam footage
  • Witness statements
  • Police reports

Determining who is truly liable is an essential piece of a car accident claim, especially for rear-end accidents. While managing a rear-end collision case is taxing, it is not impossible with the right guidance and tools. 

A Car Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Brake Checking Case

Rear-end collision cases are difficult to handle. Therefore, you should hire quality legal representation to help make the process easier for you.

A car accident lawyer has the experience required to handle a rear-end accident case and put you in the most favorable position to obtain financial recovery for your injuries and losses.

For more information, please contact the car accident lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:

Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500

Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500

Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350

Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122

Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089

We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.