Following another vehicle too closely, also known as tailgating, happens everywhere at any time in California and beyond. With traffic traveling many miles all hours of the day, it is not uncommon to see a driver right behind another at a dangerously close distance. California follows Vehicle Code 21703 VC, which states that drivers are prohibited from following a vehicle too closely or tailgating them, leading to infractions for those who disobey the law. However, these actions still occur despite these laws.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to all parties injured in tailgating and other types of car accidents in the state of California. If you or somebody you love has been affected by one of these catastrophic accidents, you have options for legal recourse. Contact a California car accident attorney for more information on your legal options.
Common Reasons for Tailgating
Even though following another driver too closely can lead to extensive damages and injuries, it still happens every hour in California and is a major cause of accidents throughout the state. There are many factors that contribute to tailgating accidents, which include the following:
- Aggressive Driving: When drivers are trying to get from one place to another quickly, they might act in an aggressive manner with disregard to other drivers. Speeding, weaving in traffic, and tailgating are all examples of driving aggressively.
- Driver Distractions: When a driver is too busy looking at their phone or using their radio, they could take their eyes off the road for seconds. In this amount of time, they could begin following another driver too closely even if they weren’t trying to.
- Impatient Driving: When traffic is at an all-time high, drivers might begin to tailgate others as a way to pressure them to move more quickly.
- Lack of Distance Awareness: Drivers might underestimate following distance, which could cause them to tailgate others.
- Adverse Road Conditions: Tailgating can occur during horrific weather, such as fog or rain. Though you should increase how far apart you are driving from others in these conditions, some fail to do so. This can lead to a catastrophic accident within seconds when a driver loses control of their vehicle.
Injuries Resulting from Tailgating Accidents
When a driver follows another too closely, a car accident can result in the blink of an eye. The moment that the driver in front makes a turn or suddenly has to slam on their brakes, it could cause a pile-up with devastating results. Some of the most severe injuries that stem from these accidents annually include the following:
- Bone fractures
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
In some of the most devastating tailgating accidents, drivers and passengers could even lose their lives. Depending on the force of these collisions, severe and life-altering damages could result and leave a victim or family in a difficult financial position.
Damages Available in a Tailgating Accident
Drivers who engage in the reckless behavior of tailgating on California roads should be held accountable for their actions. As a result, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to receive damages that can help you get back on your feet financially after an accident.
Some of the damages that you may be eligible for after one of these accidents include:
- Medical expenses that you have incurred
- Future medical expenses for follow-up visits, prescriptions, and more
- Lost wages and future lost income when you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Punitive damages meant to punish a driver for their intentionally negligent acts
How Tailgating Accidents Can Be Prevented in California
Tailgating is entirely preventable when drivers abide by the speed limit and watch how closely they are following other drivers. When traffic conditions are adverse or drivers are driving aggressively, they are more likely to engage in these reckless acts that can lead to serious harm, sometimes unaware of the consequences of a collision. There are many precautions that can be taken to ensure that a tailgating accident is avoided:
- Following the speed limit on California roads at all times
- Avoiding driving distractions
- Reducing speed limit in adverse weather conditions
- Never engaging in aggressive driving acts
- Leaving early to arrive at a destination
In California, drivers are also urged to follow the “three-second rule” to prevent tailgating and rear-end accidents that result from these actions. When a vehicle in front of you passes a roadside landmark, it should take you three seconds to reach that same landmark. If it takes less time, this is a good indication that you are following too closely.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer After a Tailgating Accident
Car accident claims can become complex matters when liability is not easy to determine or big-name insurance companies become involved in your case. If you know that another party is at fault for your accident, you have options and can move forward with a car accident claim of your own to receive financial support.
At Maison Law, we will compassionately represent you after you have been harmed in a car accident due to tailgating in California. Your main focus should be on the healing process and not the bills that keep piling up. Our attorney will provide you with the resources that you need during these difficult times. Contact a California car accident lawyer that you can trust for a free and confidential case consultation.
