Frisco Tailgating Accident Lawyer
Tailgating is a dangerous driving practice that leads to many accidents. Tailgating occurs whenever a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle. When the vehicle in front slows down, the tailgating driver does not have enough time to stop safely. This results in a rear-end collision.
Depending on the speed, a tailgating accident can be mild, moderate, or severe. Severe tailgating accidents result in property damage, injury, and even death. These collisions can also involve multiple vehicles, causing pileups.
If you’re involved in a tailgating accident, you may suffer from a range of injuries associated with rear-end crashes. Some of these injuries can be life-threatening. Accident victims also suffer paralysis and permanent disabilities from tailgating accidents. They may be unable to provide for their families or lead a normal life after a tailgating accident.
Were you in a tailgating accident in Frisco, TX? If so, call now. Our automotive accident lawyers have handled many tailgating and rear-end accident cases. We can answer your questions and help you determine your next steps. Schedule a free consultation by dialing (469) 998-4069.
Don’t let a tailgating accident disrupt your life. Let our Frisco lawyers fight for your rights. If we take your case, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win.
Tailgating: A Common Yet Dangerous Practice
In almost all cases, tailgating occurs due to negligence or recklessness. When a negligent driver tailgates, they may not realize they’re doing it. The driver may be distracted and unaware. They may also simply misjudge the distance between their car and yours. When traveling at highway speeds, it can be difficult to measure safe following distance.
Reckless drivers, on the other hand, crowd your car because they’re impatient. This type of tailgating is common in heavy traffic or whenever drivers are in a hurry. Psychologically, drivers may feel like they’re traveling faster if they’re closer to the vehicle directly in front of them. However, this is a false perception.
No matter how late you may be, tailgating never helps you get to your destination faster. It may even cause you to be extra late — after all, nothing will slow you down like an accident. The only way to “tailgate safely” is with a barbecue and a group of friends before the big game!
Tailgating causes nearly one-third of all rear-end collisions. Although you can’t control another driver’s behavior, understanding tailgating can help you avoid causing an accident by following too closely.
Use the 3 Second Rule for Safe Following Distance
You can avoid causing a tailgating accident by maintaining a safe following distance from other vehicles at all times. But how do you know how much room you need?
Under normal highway driving conditions, safety experts advise keeping at least 16 car lengths’ worth of distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. However, this distance can be difficult to judge with the naked eye.
This is where the 3 second rule comes in. This simple rule can help you maintain proper distance in front of your car so you don’t rear-end another vehicle in a tailgating accident. Here’s how you can use the 3 second rule:
- Look for a stationary object along the road ahead, such as a tree or a sign
- Notice when the car in front of you passes this object
- Count to 3, slowly, out loud or in your head
Did the car in front pass the object before you reached “3”? If so, you’re following too closely and may be tailgating. Slow down or change lanes as soon as it’s safe. Always make sure you leave at least “3 seconds” of space between any vehicle ahead of your car.
When in doubt, always leave extra space when you can. The 3 second rule applies for normal driving conditions, but you’ll want to increase your following distance in certain circumstances.
For example, tailgating in bad weather can have disastrous consequences. Always increase your following distance on a wet, icy, or uneven road surface. If there’s any external situation affecting your tire traction or brakes, you’ll need more space to stop safely.
Common Tailgating Accident Injuries
Most drivers and passengers who suffer tailgating accident injuries experience whiplash. This is a common injury associated with rear-end crashes. Whiplash occurs when the victim’s head and neck are forced forward and backward rapidly. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the neck and upper back “freeze up” to protect the victim’s cervical spine. Whiplash causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
In mild and moderate cases, whiplash victims heal on their own after a few weeks. However, severe cases of whiplash can lead to medical complications that may require surgery or rehabilitation. Victims may suffer chronic pain, nerve damage, and spinal cord damage leading to partial or full paralysis.
Other tailgating accident injuries may include:
- Slipped discs
- Skull fractures, concussions, or other head injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts, burns, or bruises
- Internal bleeding
- PTSD and other mental health issues
If the tailgating causes a pileup, rollover accident, or other, more severe collisions, the victim’s injuries may be compounded. Some victims never fully recover from a tailgating accident.
What to Do After a Tailgating Accident
If you’re rear-ended because someone was tailgating you, the accident isn’t your fault. However, you must still proceed with caution and seek a consultation with a lawyer. You must protect your rights in a tailgating accident.
After the initial impact, get medical assistance for anyone who is injured in the crash. Move your vehicle to a safe location where you’re not blocking traffic. Take photos and videos of the crash. Then, get the other driver’s insurance and contact information.
When you’re in a safe place, call our law offices in Frisco, TX, to speak to an accident attorney. We can guide you through your next steps to help you handle the accident. If you’re eligible for a settlement or other compensation, we can get you started.
Don’t wait. Consultations are 100% free and there’s no obligation. Reach out to a Frisco, TX tailgating lawyer today by calling (469) 998-4069.
