When in a rush to get somewhere, it may seem like you always get stuck behind a driver going under the speed limit. While this is frustrating, you likely remain calm, which cannot be said for others. Unfortunately, many drivers take part in a kind of aggressive driving known as tailgating, which can often lead to rear-end collisions. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these kinds of accidents, and why it’s in your best interest to connect with a Broward County car accident lawyer for further assistance.
What Is Tailgating?
Tailgating is a form of aggressive driving in which someone gets incredibly close to the bumper of the vehicle in front of them. This is done to bully or intimidate the driver into going faster or moving out of the lane. Additionally, someone may tailgate a car to prevent another vehicle from merging into their lane.
This can be very dangerous, as the driver at the back is not maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of them. As such, if the driver at the front needs to hit their brakes, the following driver may not have time to react, thus causing a collision.
These accidents are incredibly common in Florida and across the United States. As such, understanding your rights in these instances is critical to protecting yourself if you are struck by an aggressive driver.
Who Is Generally Held Liable for These Accidents?
In most cases, the driver at the back of a tailgating accident will face responsibility for the damages caused by their actions. This is because they have a responsibility to maintain a safe following distance to the vehicle ahead of them. If driving aggressively and too close, thus causing an accident, they may face liability.
It’s also important to understand that a driver being tailgated may feel scared by the following car. As such, they may try to switch lanes when it is unsafe or increase their speed to put more distance between themself and the other vehicle. This can lead to a collision, especially if the driver of the car panics.
If you are being followed closely by an aggressive driver, you should remain calm, avoid slamming on your brakes if possible, and let them pass you when it is safe to do so.
At the Finizio Law Group, we understand how scary it can be to look in your rear-view mirror and see a car incredibly close to you, and how terrifying it is to be involved in an accident. That’s why our team is here to represent you during these challenging matters to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages you’ve sustained.