It’s essential for drivers to always practice keeping a safe driving distance. Tailgating occurs when a driver fails to keep a safe distance and drives too closely behind the vehicle in front of them. This act could be extremely dangerous if the car in front stops short. If you’re a Californian who’s 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! Continue reading to learn more about tailgating accidents and find out how a San Mateo County, California Car Accident Lawyer can provide high-quality legal counseling.
HOW COMMON ARE TAILGATING ACCIDENTS?
Every year, nearly 200,000 car crashes occur in California. Tailgating accidents are far more common than most drivers think. In fact, tailgating is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the United States. Recent statistics show that about one-third of all car accidents per year in our country are rear-end collisions. Over 70% of drivers report that they have been tailgated in the past six months. Most tailgating accidents occur because of speed changes in short distances.
WHY DO DRIVERS TAILGATE?
There are various reasons why a driver might ride someone else’s bumper. Most of the time, tailgating happens because someone is in a rush and trying to drive as quickly as possible. No matter how important it is for you to be somewhere, tailgating could have serious consequences. Other than impatience, the most common reasons for tailgating include:
- Distractions, like using a phone while driving
- Impairment/intoxication from drugs or alcohol
- Road rage and driver aggression
CAN I EARN COMPENSATION FOR MY INJURIES AFTER A TAILGATING COLLISION?
California is a fault-based state when it comes to car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident will be responsible for covering most damages. After a tailgating crash occurs, police officers should arrive on the scene and determine who is at fault. In almost all tailgating cases, the tailgating driver will be deemed at fault. Tailgating is not only dangerous but illegal in California.
You may also be able to file a personal injury claim to earn further restitution for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. It’s best to hire a lawyer who can help you gather evidence to prove that the at-fault driver’s negligence directly led to your injuries. In court, negligence is when someone fails their civic duty of minimizing harm to others and subsequently causes a preventable accident. Because tailgating is against the law and the cause of far too many avoidable accidents, tailgating drivers are likely to be deemed negligent in the courtroom.
Have you recently been injured in a car accident caused by a tailgating driver? Are you seeking a trusted personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao are on your side! Contact our effective team today for an initial consultation.
