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Tailgating Car Accident Lawyers

When a driver follows another vehicle too closely with minimal distance between the two vehicles, we usually call it tailgating. This aggressive and negligent behavior on the road can potentially lead to serious accidents for several reasons, mainly because it reduces the time available for a driver to react to sudden changes and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions and chain reaction accidents.

It is essential for drivers to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the road.

What Does It Mean to Tailgate?

Tailgating refers to the act of following another vehicle too closely on the road. It occurs when a driver drives too close to the vehicle in front of them, often without leaving enough space or allowing for a safe stopping distance. This behavior is considered negligent driving and can be extremely dangerous, increasing the risk of accidents, collisions, and injuries.

Tailgating creates a potentially hazardous situation where the driver has limited time to react and stop if the lead vehicle suddenly brakes or makes a sudden maneuver. This can lead to rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common types of accidents on the road. Tailgating can also cause a cascade effect, where if the lead vehicle must stop abruptly, the following vehicle may not have enough time to stop in time, causing a chain reaction of rear-end collisions.

The reasons for tailgating can vary, but it is usually caused by impatience, aggression, or reckless driving. Some individuals tailgate to pressure the leading driver to drive faster, change lanes, or get out of their way. Others may tailgate out of habit or lack of awareness of the appropriate space needed for safe driving. Regardless of the reason, tailgating is not only illegal in many states but also highly dangerous and puts both the tailgating driver and others on the road at risk.

Is Tailgating Illegal in Arizona?

Tailgating, which refers to driving too closely behind another vehicle, is generally considered to be illegal in Arizona. The state’s traffic laws aim to promote safe driving practices and prevent accidents caused by reckless behavior on the road. While Arizona statutes don’t specifically mention the term “tailgating,” they do prohibit following another vehicle too closely, as outlined in Arizona Revised Statute 28-730.

According to this statute, vehicles shall not follow more closely than is “reasonable and prudent” and have distance between their vehicle and the one ahead. The specific distance depends on a range of factors, such as speed and traffic conditions. In general, it is advised to leave a minimum of two seconds of space between vehicles, which allows sufficient braking distance and reaction time.

If a law enforcement officer observes a driver tailgating, they can potentially issue a citation for violating the rule against following too closely. This offense is considered a civil traffic violation in Arizona, subject to fines and potential points on the driver’s license, depending on the circumstances and previous infractions. However, it is important to note that tailgating could also lead to more serious penalties if it contributes to an accident or is done in conjunction with other dangerous driving behaviors.

Overall, tailgating is illegal in Arizona due to its potential to cause accidents, endanger other road users, and violate the state’s traffic laws. If you’ve been injured or damaged in an accident instigated by a driver following too closely, contact the tailgating car accident lawyers at Torgenson Law to begin taking steps to claim compensation for your injuries and damages.

Causes of Tailgating in Arizona

Some common causes of tailgating in Arizona include aggressive driving behaviors, traffic congestion, and impatient drivers. Aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, changing lanes quickly, or weaving in and out of traffic can lead to tailgating. A driver rushing through traffic may engage in tailgating to try to speed up the vehicle in front of them or force them to move out of the way.

Traffic congestion is another common cause of tailgating in Arizona. In highly populated areas or during peak traffic hours, roads can become crowded and slow-moving. Impatient drivers may resort to tailgating to try to push the vehicle in front of them to go faster or move aside. This can create a dangerous situation, as tailgating reduces the stopping distance between vehicles, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Negligence is a significant factor in tailgating. Drivers who are in a hurry or frustrated with slow-moving traffic may engage in tailgating to express their frustration or attempt to keep cars from changing lanes in front of them.

However, this impatience can lead to negligent driving behavior, putting themselves and others at risk. Negligent tailgating often leads to rear-end collisions, and these types of accidents are almost always the fault of the driver following too closely.

Injuries Caused by Tailgating Accidents

Tailgating accidents result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor to severe. When a vehicle is following too closely, it reduces the driver’s ability to react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident caused by tailgating and can lead to severe injuries and damage to the car.

  • Neck injuries. Whiplash is a common injury in tailgating accidents. It occurs when a sudden impact causes the head and neck to be forcefully thrown forward and then jerked back. This can cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
  • Brain injuries. Head and brain injuries are not uncommon, especially if the collision is severe. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to long-term complications, such as cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional disturbances.
  • Spinal damage. Additionally, spinal cord injuries can result from tailgating accidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can cause partial or complete paralysis depending on the level of damage to the spinal cord. Fractures and broken bones are also possible, as the impact from a rear-end collision can be significant enough to cause damage to the bones in the torso or extremities.
  • Lacerations and bruising. Facial injuries, including fractures and lacerations, can also occur if the airbag deploys forcefully. Airbag deployment can also cause serious bruising and internal damage. Depending on the impact, facial lacerations can cause permanent disfigurement and require reconstructive surgery to repair.

It’s important to note that the severity of the injuries sustained in a tailgating accident can vary depending on factors such as the speed at which the vehicles were traveling, the size and weight of the vehicles involved, and the use of seatbelts and other safety features. Regardless of the severity, any injury caused by tailgating should be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional.

Call Torgenson Law for a Free Case Evaluation

If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone following too closely, contact the tailgating car accident lawyers who thoroughly understand the law surrounding these types of accidents. For more than 20 years, Torgenson Law has protected the rights of Arizona drivers.

Our attorneys work with you to evaluate your situation and build a persuasive case to compensate you for your damages. And remember, we don’t get paid unless we win you compensation for your pain and suffering. For a free and confidential evaluation, reach out online or call us at 602-726-0747 and let us seek justice for you and your loved ones.