Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely is a major cause of car accidents across the country. In the event of an emergency, the tailgating car cannot stop or maneuver quickly enough to avoid rear-ending the car in front of them. New Jersey state law mandates that drivers keep one car length for every 10 miles per hour of speed between their car and the next car. Therefore, someone tailgating another vehicle in New Jersey has very little defense if they caused a rear-end collision.
There are many reasons why drivers fail to leave enough distance in front of them. Drivers in a hurry to get somewhere often drive too fast and too close to the car in front of them. Instead of maintaining a safe following distance, they close the gap so that no one can cut in front of them. Other reasons for tailgating include drunk driving, aggressive driving, drowsy driving, and distracted driving.
Injuries from Tailgating Accidents
Rear-end collisions are often serious. Drivers rear-ended by a tailgater can suffer devastating injuries, such as:
- Head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
Certain injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion, may not be readily apparent but can develop into long-term medical
issues. These and other serious injuries can require expensive medical care, including lengthy hospital stays and rehabilitation. Injured victims of
tailgating accidents may miss work or be unable to continue working in the same occupation because of their injuries.
Preventing Tailgating Accidents
Keeping a safe distance between cars is relatively easy using the three-second rule. Find a fixed object on the roadway or side of the road and as the car in front of you passes it, begin counting. There should be three seconds between when the car in front of you and your own car pass the same point on the roadway. In inclement weather or poor road conditions, increase your following distance.
If someone is tailgating you, pull over and let them pass. If you can safely obtain their license plate number, do so and notify the authorities of the dangerous driver.
Oakhurst Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Advocate for Victims Injured in Tailgating Accidents
Tailgating at any speed is a dangerous act that jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the road. If you were injured in a tailgating accident, talk to the dedicated Oakhurst car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC. We will fight to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us at 732-454-3306 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
With locations in Oakhurst, Aberdeen, and Parlin, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we represent clients throughout Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
