Tailgating Accident Lawyer

Even if you consider yourself a careful and considerate driver, others on the road may just be too close for comfort, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do to avoid it. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a tailgating accident, do not wait. You may be able to recover significant financial compensation for the harms and losses you incurred. 

Car accident victims often experience not only physical injuries but also drastic financial consequences, including medical expenses, property damage costs, and lost income from an inability to work. Because of that, it is critical to speak with a competent tailgating accident lawyer following a crash. 

When another person’s negligent driving has cost you financially and personally, you deserve justice. You should not be saddled with the financial losses resulting from another party’s careless behavior. Let the accomplished team of attorneys at Morgan and Morgan fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Tailgating accident cases often involve unique legal and logistical factors, and many people feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a tailgating accident. Fortunately, the tailgating accident lawyers at Morgan & Morgan know how to represent victims effectively.

When you are represented by the professionals at Morgan & Morgan, you can focus on your own recovery while we fight for you. Fill out our simple contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today. Our team is standing by to review the facts of your case and help you explore your legal options.

What Are Tailgating Accidents?

Tailgating accidents are traffic collisions that occur when one vehicle follows another vehicle too closely. When motorists do not leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, they increase the risk of a rear-end collision.  

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. In many of these crashes, tailgating is a contributing factor. 

Tailgating collisions can result in severe injuries and even fatalities in extreme cases. This type of crash also typically causes significant property and vehicular damage.  

Injuries can include whiplash, back injuries, brain damage, broken bones, and more. The severity of the injuries will depend on many factors. These include the speed of the cars involved, the angle of the collision, and the make of the vehicles involved. 

Tailgating can occur for many reasons, including: 

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors and maneuvers can cause rear-end collisions. When a driver is tailgating, they are following the vehicle in front of them too closely and not leaving enough space to stop safely in case of sudden braking or stopping.  

If the driver in front of them needs to stop suddenly, the rear driver may not have enough time to respond. Speeding can also contribute to rear-end collisions. This is because it reduces the rear driver’s ability to react to changes in traffic.  

Tailgating collisions caused by aggressive driving can result in serious injuries for victims. In addition to physical injuries, tailgating victims may experience emotional distress, lost wages, and other extreme losses.  

It is essential for drivers to practice safe driving habits and avoid aggressive behaviors. Victims of aggressive drivers should speak with a tailgating accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can cause a tailgating collision by impairing the driver’s ability to pay attention to the road. This can make it impossible to respond to changing traffic conditions.  

When a driver is distracted, their focus is diverted from the road. Because of this, the motorist may not notice that they are following the vehicle in front of them too closely. 

For instance, a driver who is texting or otherwise using their phone while driving may not realize that they are tailgating until it is too late to stop their vehicle. Also, a distracted driver may not be able to anticipate the movements of other vehicles, making it more likely that a collision will occur. 

When motorists are distracted, they may not be fully aware of their surroundings, which can make them more likely to engage in risky or unsafe behaviors. To prevent tailgating accidents caused by distracted driving, individuals should avoid using their phones or other devices while operating their vehicles.  

If drivers need to make a call or send a text message, they should pull over to a safe location and stop their vehicle first. Motorists should stay focused on the road and avoid other distractions.  

Other common causes of distracted driving tailgate accidents are: 

• Eating or drinking
• Self-grooming, including applying makeup
• Adjusting the radio or GPS system 

By staying focused and attentive, drivers can decrease the risk of tailgating collisions from distracted driving. When a distracted motorist causes a collision, victims should reach out to an accomplished tailgating accident lawyer immediately.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving can cause tailgating accidents in several ways. Alcohol consumption impairs drivers’ judgment, vision, and reaction time. 

These impairments make it more difficult for a motorist to control their vehicle and respond to changes in the environment. Drunk drivers can also exhibit aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating. This is because of their impaired judgment and reduced inhibitions. 

Drivers under the influence of alcohol often do not realize that they are following other vehicles too closely. Therefore, they may not have the ability to stop their car or truck in time to avoid a crash.  

Also, drunk drivers may be unable to anticipate the maneuvers of drivers in front of them. This drastically increases the likelihood that they will collide with that vehicle.  

When a driver is under the influence of a controlled substance, they may feel invincible. This overconfidence makes motorists more likely to take risks while driving, putting themselves and others in danger. 

Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous. Because of this, it is a criminal offense. Victims of intoxicated motorists should speak with a tailgating accident attorney to recover the compensation to which they are entitled. 

These are only a few of the common causes of tailgating accidents. Tailgating collisions can also be the result of driver inexperience, poor visibility, or poor weather conditions. Drivers who are running late or are in a hurry may also be more likely to tailgate. 

To prevent tailgating accidents, motorists should maintain a safe following distance.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers leave at least one full car length of space for every 10 mph they are traveling. For instance, if you are traveling at 60 mph, you should leave at least six car lengths between your vehicle and those in front of you.

What to Do if a Driver Is Tailgating You

If you are being tailgated by another motorist, it is vital that you take the proper actions. Make sure to stay calm and avoid aggressive maneuvers or behaviors. This type of action could escalate the situation.  

Motorists can also take steps to encourage the tailgating driver to back off. Common examples include: 

• Reducing your speed gradually
• Safely changing lanes
• Using turn signals to indicate your intention to turn 

Tailgating accidents are a serious risk on roadways. Drivers should take effective steps to prevent this type of collision.  

By maintaining a safe following distance, avoiding aggressive maneuvers, and remaining attentive, drivers can help reduce the risk of tailgating accidents. Safe driving behaviors can keep everyone as safe as possible on the road. 

But no matter how safely you drive, you cannot control the behaviors of others. When a negligent motorist causes a rear-end collision and for you to suffer the costs, reach out to one of the tailgating accident lawyers at Morgan & Morgan.

Common Injuries From Tailgating Collisions

Tailgating car accidents can result in a variety of physical injuries. These may range from minor surface damage to life-threatening injuries.  

The severity and nature of a victim’s injury will depend on several factors. These include the speed of the vehicles involved and the use of safety features. Some common physical injuries that result from tailgating car accidents are:

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury occurring when the head and neck are thrown forward and then backward in a sudden motion. Rear-end collisions often cause the people in the front vehicle to move in this way.  

Whiplash injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the neck and back. The team at Morgan and Morgan understands the legal and medical issues that are relevant to whiplash injury claims.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries can range widely in terms of severity. Serious head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  

Some of the most common symptoms of head injuries can include: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Vomiting and nausea
• Confusion
• Temporary loss of consciousness 

It is critical to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you have suffered a head injury. 

Back and Spine Injuries

Back injuries often result from the extreme force of a car crash impact. This type of physical damage can also happen because of the twisting and turning of the body during the accident. Injuries can range from minor strains to more extreme injuries, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, and paralysis.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The force of a tailgating accident can cause bones to break or fracture. This is particularly true for hand, arm, leg, and rib bones. Broken bones are typically painful and can require immobilization or surgery to heal. Victims often experience mounting medical costs from medication, surgeries, and medical appointments.

Internal Damage

Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, can happen when the force of a collision causes a victim’s body to be twisted or compressed. This type of injury may not be apparent immediately. Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.