Tailgating is an unsafe driving behavior in which a driver follows another vehicle too closely. This behavior increases the likelihood of a collision because there is less space to come to a stop if the vehicle in front stops or brakes.
If you or a loved one was injured in an avoidable accident caused by a tailgater, a Dallas tailgating accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to help. We can investigate your claim and help establish tailgating was the primary or a contributing factor. Call us today to speak to a member of our team at 800-777-7777.
Dangers of Being Tailgated
When people tailgate, they decrease the amount of space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. An average vehicle traveling at 60 mph takes 240 feet to come to a complete stop. When a driver decreases the amount of distance between their vehicle and the one in front and the driver in front brakes, the chances for a rear-end collision increase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle accident, accounting for 29% of all collisions and thousands of injuries and deaths each year.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) reports that when drivers tailgate, they sacrifice perception and reaction times. Perception refers to the ability to identify a hazard while reaction time refers to the time the body needs to physically react to the hazard.
Tailgating is also sometimes associated with aggressive driving, which may include other dangerous driving behaviors, such as:
- Speeding
- Frequent changing of lanes without signaling
- Running a red light
- Improper passing
Each of these driving behaviors increases the likelihood that a collision will occur.
For a free legal consultation with a tailgating accidents lawyer serving Dallas, call 800-777-7777
Common Causes of Tailgating Drivers
There are various reasons why people tailgate. Some people did not learn how to properly drive and tailgate out of habit. Others may tailgate in a belief that they will get to their destination faster by minimizing space between them and other drivers. Other common causes of tailgating include:
- Distracted drivers who are not paying attention to vehicles around them.
- Inexperienced drivers who do not know how to maintain a safe distance between them and other drivers.
- Careless drivers who know the dangers of tailgating but do it anyway.
- Aggressive drivers who want to intimidate other drivers or force them to change lanes.
Regardless of the cause, tailgating is a dangerous driving behavior. If you were injured in a tailgating accident, a Dallas tailgating accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help. Call 800-777-7777 to learn more today.
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Texas Laws on Tailgating
Under the heading “Tips to Avoid Road Rage” in the Texas Driver Handbook published by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), drivers are instructed, “Do not tailgate; follow at a safe distance.” The rules further elaborate on what is a safe distance, depending on the driver’s speed and that there are good road conditions, which are as follows:
- 30 mph or less – 2 seconds
- Above 30 mph – 4 seconds
Inexperienced drivers are encouraged to use a four-second following distance. If there are poor road conditions, there should be even more time between vehicles.
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Common Injuries Caused by a Driver Who Tailgates
Because tailgating often leads to rear-end collisions, victims are more likely to suffer injuries such as:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is one of the most reported injuries after a rear-end collision. It occurs because the head is often violently and suddenly shaken when there is sudden impact to the back of the vehicle.
- Back injuries – The force of impact even at low speeds may cause compression in the spinal cord and result in injuries such as herniated discs.
- Spinal cord injuries – Some rear-end collisions in which there is greater impact may result in debilitating injuries including paralysis.
- Head injuries – When a person’s head hits an object like a dashboard or an airbag, the resulting trauma can result in serious head injuries.
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Proof of Tailgating
As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, you will need to be able to show that the other party was liable for the accident. In a tailgating case, this will require you to have evidence that the driver was following too closely. Potential proof of tailgating may include:
- Eyewitness testimony from credible witnesses who saw the other driver following too closely at the time of the accident.
- Photographs or video from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, dash cams, or other videos that show the driver following too closely.
- Damage to the back of your vehicle and the front of the other driver’s vehicle that shows the point of impact.
- Electronic data from the other vehicle that shows the last time the vehicle applied its brakes and the speed it was traveling at just before the accident.
- Cell phone records that indicate the driver was texting while driving or otherwise using a phone at the time of impact.
- Testimony and graphics from an accident reconstruction expert that demonstrates how the collision likely happened.
A tailgating accident attorney can help gather these types of evidence and knows how to present them to show liability in your case.
Potential Damages in Accidents Caused by Tailgaters
If you were injured in a tailgating accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you sustained, including:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
After discussing your claim with you, our injury lawyers can give you a better estimate of the potential value of your claim. Contact us today to learn more.
Call the Office of a Tailgating Accident Attorney to Learn More
If you or a loved one were injured in a tailgating accident, it is important that you first seek medical assistance. Then, contact an experienced Dallas tailgating accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins.
Every year, we represent more than 7,000 clients, so we have the knowledge and experience necessary to capably handle your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not get paid for our services unless we are able to recover compensation on your behalf. Call us today at 800-777-7777 to learn more about how we can help.
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