Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

Following to close

I was in an accident while driving on the interstate. Everyone slammed on their brakes and I hit the SUV in front of me. I got a ticket for ''Following to close'' and I was wondering what I should do about it. It is my first ticket and I'm a fairly new resident to the state (only been here a little over a year).

It was during a busy time on the interstate and I had only driven on that part of the city for a week. I don't know if I should attend a driver's course and go to court or just pay the ticket and get the points for my driving record.


Asked on 6/12/05, 6:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Sudeep Bose Bose Law Firm, PLLC - Former Police, Prosecutors & Investigators

Re: Following to close

Your charge of following too closely holds both insurance and liability factors which I shal briefly explain here. After an accident, note that everyone will attempt to blame everyone else - and injuries will surely come forth once attorneys are involved. If you plead guilty on the charge, the admission will stay with you more than likely to produce civil liability. Hence, it is incumbent on you to fight the charge. If you are found not guilty, the civil attorney will have to establish liability from scratch in the civil case, if filed. I hope this assists your decision making process.

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Answered on 6/12/05, 7:41 pm
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Following to close

Assuming that there was no serious property damage nor injury to anyone in vehicles with which your vehicle collided, I would pay the ticket and forget about it----except when you're out on the highway again and find yourself creeping up on the car in front.

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Answered on 6/13/05, 5:09 am


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