Tailgating is when a driver doesn’t leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. This can be extremely dangerous because the risk of an auto accident increases if there isn’t a safe driving distance between two vehicles. Though tailgating is hazardous, many drivers still tailgate from time to time, and preventable car accidents happen as a result. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a tailgater, you might wonder whether your damages will be covered by the driver who was responsible for the collision. Thankfully, our knowledgeable law firm is here to help! Continue reading to learn more about this issue and about how one of our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers can provide high-quality legal counseling.
ARE TAILGATING ACCIDENTS COMMON IN NEW JERSEY?
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Statistics show that about a third of all car accidents per year in this country are caused by rear-end collisions. Up to 80% of drivers said they have been tailgated in the past year. Tailgating is fairly common because many drivers often forget about the serious consequences of the act.
WHY DO DRIVERS TAILGATE?
Though tailgating is actually illegal in New Jersey, there are various reasons why a driver might choose to tailgate the car ahead of them. Most of the time, tailgating stems from driver impatience. For example, someone driving to work might tailgate out of frustration if they’re in a rush and the person in front of them is driving slowly. Other than impatience, the most common causes of tailgating include:
- Distractions, like texting while driving
- Driver aggression and road rage
- Intoxication or impairment from alcohol or drugs
While drivers sometimes think they have a valid reason to tailgate, an accident can easily occur if the driver in front stops suddenly. Most tailgating accidents are caused by changes in speed in a short area.
ARE TAILGATE ACCIDENT INJURIES ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION?
New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents, meaning your own auto insurance will be responsible for covering any damages after a car accident. However, if the accident was caused by a driver who was tailgating, this could be considered negligence since tailgating is both illegal and dangerous. You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to earn restitution for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages after a tailgating accident. An attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove that the at-fault driver’s negligence directly led to the accident and your subsequent injuries.
Have you recently been injured in a tailgating accident? Are you seeking an effective personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrid, LLC is here to fight for you! Contact our compassionate team today for an initial consultation.
