Tailgating Car Accidents In Buffalo, New York

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Team of Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys Works on Behalf of Clients Injured as a Result of Tailgating Accidents in Buffalo, New York.

Despite the fact that, on average, only 8.9 of every 10,0000 drivers in the United States have been ticketed for tailgating, tailgating is not an uncommon occurrence. While the ticketing statistic is small in comparison with other rates of traffic violations, for every instance of tailgating, there is a high probability that an accident will occur. Often, we associate tailgating with incidents of aggressive driving or road rage. Following too close behind another motor vehicle can be perceived as threatening or even frightening and places both vehicle operators at risk. For the individual being tailgated, it can cause heightened levels of stress and anxiety. In such situations, it can be difficult to know what to do.

Every day the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. assists individuals who have experienced life-changing injuries because of tailgating accidents. While nothing can compensate for the physical and mental trauma that results from motor vehicle accidents, personal injury attorneys are there to ensure that an individual receives just compensation for their losses. For more than twenty years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully represented individuals in tailgating collision cases throughout the Western New York area. He is now recognized as a Best Lawyer of America and is your best choice to represent you in your personal injury case. To receive your free consultation, call us now at 716-839-3939 or visit us online.

Tailgating is broadly defined as “driving dangerously close behind another vehicle.” Specifically, it is the failure, either through negligent or aggressive driving to allow sufficient space between your vehicle and the one preceding it. Tailgating puts you and others at risk by reducing the available reaction time. For example, if a car is forced to stop unexpectedly, it is highly unlikely that a tailgating vehicle will be able to stop in time to avoid rear-ending them. In addition to reduced reaction time, tailgating also limits a driver’s visibility. If a car swerves to avoid a hazard on the road, a tailgating vehicle will not have sufficient time to move out of the way.

In a single recent year, nearly 50% of all reported motor vehicle fatalities involved multi-vehicle accidents, including rear-end collisions. The most common types of tailgating accidents are rear-end collisions. Often these accidents result from driver negligence. Negligent driving is a failure to observe the rules of the road, either because of disregard or distraction. Every driver has experienced moments of distraction behind the wheel. Noisy kids in the backseat, a ringing cellphone and even a difficult day at work can pull our attention from the road. No matter the circumstances, all drivers are obligated to focus entirely on the road while behind the wheel. If you are distracted, it is safer to wait or ask another to drive.

Whether a rear-end collision is caused by negligence or aggressive driving, you still have the option to pursue legal action. If you are looking for a team of fastidious, hardworking and experienced lawyers to represent you in a rear-end collision injury, the Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., is the best choice. For more information on rear-end collision representation, call us today for your free consultation at 716-839-3939 or contact us online.

Incidents of tailgating vary from state to state. According to a report on recent tailgating statistics, Idaho, Georgia and Nebraska have the highest number of tailgating violations in the United States. In New York State, as well as across the nation, there is a direct correlation between tailgating and aggressive driving. In fact, “states with the most tailgate-prone drivers are also likely to have more aggressive drivers.”

Aggressive driving, sometimes known as road rage, is the willful disregard of traffic rules because of anger, annoyance or impatience. As with negligent driving, when a driver behaves aggressively, they are a danger to everyone around them. For this reason, under New York State Consolidated Laws, Section 1129: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” Instances of tailgating that do not result in an accident can be ticketed and fined.

In the event of a rear-end accident, an individual’s first course of action should be to determine who is at fault. Not every rear-end collision results from a vehicle following too closely. If a driver brakes unexpectedly, loses control of their vehicle or backs into another car, they could be at fault for resulting damages.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, all drivers should maintain “enough room between [their] vehicle and the one ahead so [they] can stop safely if the other vehicle stops suddenly.” Determining the appropriate distance between motor vehicles can be tricky, particularly for inexperienced drivers. Some common tips to assist in maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you include:

1. Allow one car’s length between you and the car in front of you;
2. Observe the two-second rule; and
3. When in doubt, give yourself more space!

In the event that you are being tailgated, remain calm. If possible, allow the tailgater the opportunity to pass you by changing lanes or pulling off to the side of the road. If neither option is available to you, allow yourself extra time to slow down for traffic lights and stop signs. Signal well in advance of turns.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. knows that the health and safety of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. It is the mission of the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. to give you legal representation of the highest quality in your tailgating car accident injury claim. The team of Buffalo, New York, car accident injury attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. are available 24 hours per day and 7 days a week, and can be reached at 716-839-3939 or online.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours per day and 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!