It’s vital for drivers to be aware of the importance of keeping a safe driving distance. Tailgating is when someone drives too closely behind another vehicle, sometimes even at high speeds. This act is not only extremely dangerous but also illegal in New Jersey. Nevertheless, tailgating car accidents are more common than most people think. If you’ve recently been injured in a car crash caused by a tailgater, you might be wondering about your legal options. No need to panic because our highly experienced law firm is here to help! Read this blog to learn more about what to do after a tailgating collision, or reach out to a Middlesex County, NJ Car Accident Attorney today for individualized legal counseling.
HOW COMMON ARE TAILGATING ACCIDENTS?
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Over 70% of American drivers said they have been tailgated within the past six months. According to recent statistics, about one-third of all car accidents per year in this country are rear-end collisions. Most of these accidents happen when a driver suddenly changes speed in a short distance.
WHY DO DRIVERS TAILGATE?
There’s a wide variety of reasons that a driver might tailgate behind another car. Most of the time, tailgating stems from a driver’s impatience. For example, a driver might ride someone’s bumper if they’re in a rush to get to work and trying to get there as quickly as possible. Other than impatience, the most common reasons that drivers tailgate include:
- Distractions, like texting while driving
- Road rage or driver aggression
- Impairment from drugs or alcohol
CAN I RECEIVE COMPENSATION AFTER A TAILGATING ACCIDENT?
New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. This means that your own auto insurance will be responsible for covering your damages no matter who was at fault for the collision. However, you may be able to earn restitution for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more by filing a personal injury claim.
If your accident was caused by a tailgating driver, you might be eligible to file a claim against that driver. Tailgating is considered a negligent act because it’s both dangerous and illegal. In the legal world, negligence is when someone fails their civic duty to minimize harm to others and causes a preventable accident. You can hire a lawyer to help you gather the evidence you need to prove that the tailgating driver’s negligence directly led to your injuries.
Have you recently been involved in a car collision caused by a tailgating driver? Are you seeking a dedicated personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is on your side! Contact our effective team today for an initial consultation.
