Following Too Closely is a Common Cause of Serious Car Accidents
You have likely heard the term “tailgating” before. But, do you really know what it means?
Tailgating is a situation when a vehicle follows another vehicle on the road too closely and then doesn’t leave sufficient room to stop and avoid a wreck.
If the weather is nice out, it is daytime, and driving conditions are optimal, you should leave space between you and the other vehicle that is equivalent to three seconds. If a person is following a heavy vehicle, or if it is raining out, drivers need to provide a greater distance.
If you are ever involved in a serious car accident that involves tailgating, then it is best to call a skilled car accident attorney Fairfax for help in pursuing compensation.
Why Do Drivers Tailgate?
Since it is unsafe to tailgate another vehicle or to follow too closely, many people wonder why motorists do this. Some of the reasons include:
- The driver is a “hyper-miler” and is attempting to save gas by drafting.
- To intimidate other drivers – i.e. road rage.
- Because they overestimate the driving skills they have.
What to Do if You are Being Tailgated?
It is natural to feel upset or angry if another driver starts to tailgate you. In some cases, you may even consider slowing down further to irritate the tailgater. However, you should not put yourself, your passengers, or anyone else in this type of dangerous situation. You need to try and keep calm, and if there is another driver tailgating you, just move over to another lane and allow them to pass.
When you do this, it reduces the chance of an accident. If you see someone else being tailgated, make sure to put distance between your vehicle and the vehicle that is tailgating. Unfortunately, in this situation, there is not much else you can do, but there is also a higher likelihood of an accident, which you need to try to avoid.
What if You are Injured Due to a Tailgater?
If you are being tailgated, and the situation results in a collision, you may suffer serious injuries. You may hit your head, suffer whiplash, or even be thrown from your vehicle. Regardless of the injuries you suffered, you may also be entitled to monetary compensation. The best way to know for sure if you can recover damages is to work with a car accident attorney. They can review the facts of your case and ensure that you are compensated properly for your injuries and damages.
Also Read: 3 Types of Car Accidents That Need a Lawyer’s Help
Contact Our Virginia Car Accidents Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC
Have you suffered an injury after a serious car accident? If so, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation to file a lawsuit for monetary compensation. You need to find an attorney who has prior experience handling these cases. They can review the facts and determine if compensation is a possibility. If you have questions or would like more information, then feel free to contact us for a consultation. We can help determine if you have the right to recover damages.
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