It’s essential to keep a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you while you’re driving, especially at high speeds. Unfortunately, many drivers forget or neglect this rule and end up tailgating. This is an illegal act in which someone drives too closely behind another vehicle. Tailgating can lead to preventable auto collisions, which is why drivers should be more aware of the dangers of this harmful driving habit. To learn more about tailgating accidents and how you can prevent them, read this blog or contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Queens today for high-quality legal counseling.
HOW COMMON ARE TAILGATING ACCIDENTS?
Tailgating accidents might be more common than you think. In fact, tailgating is one of the leading causes of auto collisions in our country. Statistics show that about one-third of all car accidents in the United States per year are rear-end collisions. Tens of thousands of tailgating crashes occur in New York each year.
WHY DO DRIVERS TAILGATE?
There could be any number of reasons why a driver chooses to tailgate. Most of the time, tailgating stems from a driver’s impatience and anger. If someone’s in a rush to get to work or school, they might drive too closely behind other cars that are driving slower than them. Even if you need to be somewhere important, tailgating can have disastrous consequences. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Overall, the most common reasons that drivers tailgate include:
- Distractions, such as using a phone while driving
- Intoxication or impairment from alcohol or drugs
- Road rage and driver aggression
CAN VICTIMS OF TAILGATING ACCIDENTS EARN COMPENSATION?
New York is a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents, meaning your own auto insurance will be responsible for covering your injuries after a car collision. However, if your accident was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Negligence is when someone fails to use reasonable care and causes a preventable accident. Tailgating is not only dangerous but also illegal, so tailgating drivers could be considered negligent in court if they are at fault for a collision.
If you win your personal injury claim, you may be able to earn restitution for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. A trusted lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove that the tailgating driver’s negligence directly led to your injuries.
Have you recently been injured in a car accident caused by a tailgater? Are you seeking an effective personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because the Law Offices of George Poulos is here to fight for you! Contact our highly experienced team today for an initial consultation.
