Tailgating means driving too closely behind another vehicle. As reported by the Insurance Information Institute (III) it is a leading cause of rear-end collisions, which accounted for 2,203 fatal crashes in the U.S. in a recent year.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we serve Manhattan and NYC, representing people injured in automobile accidents. Contact us today if you or your loved one has been hurt in a tailgating car accident.
Why Choose Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C.?
- We have been representing clients in Manhattan and NYC for more than a decade.
- We maintain a low case volume, so we can provide personal service to every client we represent.
- Our personal injury attorneys are tough advocates who will not accept less than a full and fair settlement on your behalf.
How Do Tailgating Accidents Happen?
Tailgating is conclusively linked with rear-end collisions. In a recent study discussed in a Phys Org article, researchers found that:
- Rear-end tailgating car accidents are more likely to occur in urban areas with speed limits of 60 to 70 mph.
- Although they believe they are allowing a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, most drivers do not leave the necessary two to three-second gap.
- 55% of drivers surveyed left less than a two-second gap between their vehicles and the vehicles in front.
- 44% of drivers left less than a one-second gap.
Researchers found that tailgating predictors include peak traffic volume, higher speeds of traffic, and age and gender of drivers. Young male drivers have a higher rate of rear-end crashes, due to inexperience and aggressive driving behaviors.
Tailgating Car Accident Injuries
Following too closely, or tailgating, is dangerous driving behavior that can lead to serious injury accidents. Injuries commonly sustained in tailgating accidents include:
- Whiplash (neck injury): When a vehicle is hit from behind, an occupant’s head can be thrust rapidly backward then forward, causing injury to the muscles, tendons, joints, and discs of the neck.
- Low back injury: Impact of a rear-end collision can cause injury to the structures of the lower back.
- Traumatic brain injury: This serious injury occurs when the head is thrust violently in a collision, causing the brain to slam against the inside of the skull.
- Lower leg and hip injury: To brace against the impact of a sudden crash, many people lock one or both legs. This can result in sprained ankles, strained knees, jammed hips, tendon and ligament damage, and fractures.
- Shoulder, arm, and wrist injury: The shoulders, arms, elbows, and wrists are susceptible to injury when struck by an airbag or when the arms are locked in a crash. This may include fractures, or damage to the tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
- Crush injuries: When a large vehicle (such as a tractor-trailer) rear-ends a much smaller vehicle, the larger vehicle may intrude into the smaller vehicle or send it crashing into another vehicle or off the road. This can cause severe, catastrophic, or fatal crush injuries.
Contact Our Firm After a Tailgating Accident
Drivers who follow too closely can cause accidents and serious injuries to others. If you have been hurt in a tailgating car accident, do not hesitate to contact Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C. We serve Manhattan and New York City, representing injured car accident victims on a contingency fee basis. This means there is no cost to you until we win your case.