Tailgating Accidents In Atlanta
Rear-end collisions are a common cause of car accidents in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), rear-end collisions make up 17% of two-vehicle collisions, resulting in 3,300 traffic deaths in a single recent year. Although inclement weather conditions sometimes contribute to rear-end collisions, the most common cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating. Tailgating accidents are rear-end collisions that occur when a vehicle follows too closely behind another vehicle.
When Is It Tailgating?
Traffic experts recommend a three-second rule for determining a sufficient following distance. Following distance refers to the space between the front of your car and the rear end of the vehicle directly in front of you. A driver can measure this Three-second distance by choosing a fixed point on the roadside. When the car in front passes the point, the rear driver begins counting. At least three full seconds should pass before the rear driver passes by the same point. If fewer than three seconds pass, the rear driver is “tailgating,” or following too closely.
Drivers should maintain a greater following distance in poor road conditions or during inclement weather.
What Types of Atlanta Car Accidents are Caused by Tailgating?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of tailgating accident in Atlanta, but they are not the only type of accident caused by following too closely. For example, sometimes a rear-end collision pushes the front vehicle forward into an intersection, causing a secondary collision. A rear-end collision on a two-lane road can force the front vehicle into the oncoming lane, causing a head-on collision.
Tailgating can also cause accidents on multi-lane highways. For instance, colliding with the rear end of a vehicle can cause it to veer into another lane, resulting in sideswipe collisions. Some Atlanta tailgating accidents on multi-lane highways cause chain-reaction crashes with multi-car pileups.
Understanding Liability In Atlanta Tailgating Accidents
There is a common understanding that the driver in the rear is always at fault for a rear-end collision. This is typically true if tailgating is the cause of the accident. In some cases, however, the front driver may be the cause or contribute to the cause of the accident. If the front driver stops short due to a crossing animal or other reasons, they may be held liable for damages. More commonly, front-car liability for a tailgating accident is due to brake light or tail light failures. In accidents caused by auto defects such as auto light failures, the front driver could be liable for car accident damages because they failed to replace malfunctioning lights, or the claim could be against a negligent repair shop or the manufacturer of defective lights.
Because liability in Atlanta tailgating accidents is more nuanced than many people realize, it’s important to seek legal representation from an Atlanta car accident lawyer for a thorough investigation to document evidence of liability against the at-fault party.
Recovering Damages After a Tailgating Accident In Atlanta
The crash force of a tailgating accident propels motorists in the front vehicle forcefully forward before the seatbelt snaps them back against the seat. This can cause serious injuries in the motorists’ skeletal-muscular system, including painful whiplash, back injuries, and internal organ injuries. Common damages recovered in tailgating accident injury claims include the following:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost earnings
- Future income loss or reduced future earning ability
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for any catastrophic injuries that apply in the case, such as loss of limb, disfigurement, loss of an organ, loss of one of the senses, or diminished quality of life
If an Atlanta tailgating accident caused the death of a loved one, your family may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim.
How Can an Atlanta Tailgating Accident Lawyer Help?
When a tailgating accident causes more than property damage and results in serious injury, the injury victim deserves full compensation for the associated damages. Call an Atlanta personal injury attorney at Piasta Walker Hagenbush, LLC for experienced representation in your claim.