Tailgating Accidents

Injury Attorneys Assisting Victims in the Schaumburg and Wheaton Areas

Tailgating accidents can lead to devastating, even deadly harm, depending on the speed and weight of the vehicles involved. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident caused by tailgating, we can bring a claim on your behalf against the tailgating driver. At Therman Law Offices, our Wheaton and Schaumburg car accident attorneys can meticulously analyze your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim. Your initial consultation is free, so there is no reason to hesitate in reaching out to us.

Tailgating Accidents Cause Serious Harm

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end collisions are the leading type of vehicle collision. In fact, they account for 29 percent of car accidents across the United States. Tailgating is a leading cause of these rear-end collisions. Tailgating is when a driver drives behind another vehicle too closely. In other words, tailgating takes place when a driver fails to leave sufficient stopping distance between his or her own vehicle and the vehicle ahead, thereby increasing the risk of a rear-end accident. Tailgating accidents typically occur when the vehicle in front brakes, and the vehicle behind it slams into it. The NHTSA identifies tailgating as an aggressive driving behavior.

Following too closely is illegal in Illinois. In fact, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, commercial drivers who engage in the behavior can actually lose their commercial driver’s license. When drivers tailgate, they do not give themselves the distance that is needed in order to safely stop their vehicles to avoid a car accident. In addition, these drivers leave themselves less time to react and face limited visibility because the cars in front of them are so close. For all of these reasons, drivers who tailgate are at an increased risk of causing an accident.

If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a driver following too closely, you may be able to file a negligence claim against the at-fault driver. A negligence claim refers to a civil lawsuit intended to recover monetary damages for the bodily injuries and property damage that resulted from an accident. The legal theory of negligence essentially establishes fault. Negligence occurs when a driver causes injuries or death by failing to use the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would use in the same or similar circumstances. For instance, a reasonably prudent driver would not tailgate, understanding the risk of accidents associated with such behavior. As a result, in a tailgating case, your attorney would need to prove that the driver was following too closely, and that conduct (i.e., following too closely) was a direct and proximate cause of your accident and resulting harm.

Tailgating accidents can cause severe injuries to the neck, spine, face, and head. The sudden impact of a crash often results in serious whiplash injuries. These injuries can be extremely costly to treat and lead to a long recovery period. Fortunately, Illinois victims of tailgating accidents can recover compensation for a variety of losses, including medical expenses incurred due to the accident, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, and more. Of course, establishing damages can be complicated, but we understand the process and will work diligently to come up with an appropriate dollar amount in your case.

Discuss Your Situation with a Car Crash Lawyer in Wheaton or Schaumburg

Tailgating is a dangerous habit that often results in serious accidents. If you have been injured in a collision caused by tailgating, it is critical for you to speak to a seasoned car accident attorney. At Therman Law Offices, our team understands how to navigate tailgating accident cases and get a client the maximum amount of compensation possible in their situation. We represent victims in Schaumburg, Wheaton, Addison, Elmhurst, West Chicago, Lemont, Westmont, Oakbrook, Terrace, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, and Lisle, among other cities. To speak to us in more detail about your case, call 312-588-1900 or reach us online.