Tailgating is defined as one vehicle following another too closely to give ample time for stopping without the risk of a car collision, but who determines how close is too close? 

Tailgating, or following too closely behind a car, is risky behavior that some inexperienced, negligent, distracted, or careless drivers exhibit. It decreases the amount of available time to stop, leading to crashes. Tailgating can cause severe injuries. Even if the crash occurred when both vehicles were moving relatively slowly, injuries could be catastrophic.

Tailgating accidents may occur if one driver slams into the back of another driver’s vehicle. These accidents could throw you forward against your seatbelt and may cause a driver’s head to snap forward and back, which could lead to whiplash injuries.

Other brain, neck, and spine injuries may also occur if you are rear-ended by another driver. Your injuries could be more severe if another driver pushes you into on-coming traffic. Some possible injuries in these circumstances include broken bones, cuts, abrasions, or even internal injuries.

Although the law allows you to file the claim yourself, a lawyer can add value to your pursuit of justice. Car crashes can involve many at-fault parties with varying degrees of negligence. If the tailgater’s insurance carrier suspects that they will pay a lot of money in compensatory damages, they may begin by exhausting all available avenues of minimizing their losses. Their move may include hiring a defense legal team, Tailgating Crash Lawyer Norcross.

Therefore, you should also have a legal team on your side. A law firm like ours can offer vital legal services, including:

  • Assessing the severity of your damages
  • Investigating the accident
  • Taking photos, getting CCTV footage, and collecting other kinds of evidence
  • Securing eyewitness statements
  • Collecting police reports
  • Establishing negligence
  • Leading negotiations with defense lawyers and insurance companies
  • Filling necessary documentation
  • Meeting all legal deadlines, such as the applicable statutes of limitations

When you get involved in this kind of accident, a Tailgating Crash Lawyer Norcross will use their knowledge of the law to fight for your rights and safeguard your interests.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Tailgating Accident

Tailgating crashes can lead to a range of serious injuries. You may be recovering physically and emotionally. Therefore, it is advisable to let a Tailgating Crash Lawyer Norcross seek compensation on your behalf. The most common compensatory damages you can claim include:

  • Medical costs: Involves reimbursement of treatment costs related to the accident (ongoing expenses if your injuries are permanent, ex: paralysis)
  • Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
  • Loss of income: The income you lose while you are in recovery
  • Lost future earning capacity: If your injuries are permanent, meaning that you will never return to work
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for any mental or physical anguish, including loss of enjoyment of life

Potential Compensation for Tailgating

If a tailgating driver struck you, they may be legally required to cover some of your expenses. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages at work if you must take time off to recover. You may also be entitled to compensation for the damage to your vehicle caused by the collision, or for your pain, suffering, and mental anguish.