Someone Rear-Ended My Car! What Happens After a Tailgating Car Accident in Duluth, GA?

Clayton Cain | | Auto Accident
Tailgating Car Accident Lawyer in Duluth, Georgia

Tailgating is legally usually called “following too closely,” and refers to a driver that fails to leave adequate space between itself and a vehicle in front of it. This is quite common on highways in Georgia, perhaps you’ve done it yourself, or – more likely – have experienced it while on the road. If you have been a victim of a tailgating car accident or rear-end collision in Duluth, Georgia find it necessary to work with an experienced Duluth car accident attorney to seek just and full compensation for their damages and injuries.

What Are the Causes of Tailgating Car Accidents in Duluth, Georgia?

Motorists in the state of Georgia who tailgate other vehicles sometimes show aggressive tendencies behind the wheel, including speeding, erratic lane changes, and a disregard for posted road signs. There are several reasons why rear-end collisions happen around the Duluth area, including misjudgment, aggression or road rate, and distractions like texting, talking, or otherwise using a mobile device or in-car electronic system at the time of the tailgating car accident in Duluth.

How to File a Claim for a Tailgating Car Accident in Duluth GA

When rear-end collisions and tailgating car accident happen, the victims are often able to recover financial compensation from the at-fault driver with the help of a car accident attorney. To do this, it is necessary to establish that the tailgating actions were negligent. Negligence is defined as failing to uphold one’s duty to a standard of care. In terms of drivers on the road, it means engaging in actions which a driver knows, on reasonably should have known, would place others at risk.

In addition, the victim needs to demonstrate that the tailgating was actually the cause of the accident. Showing that the driver was negligent usually requires the use of evidence including police report, witness testimony, medical reports, and sometimes accident reconstruction. Your car accident attorney can advise you as to the best path forward for your case.

How to Avoid a Tailgating Car Accident in Duluth, GA

Often, when someone rear-ends your car, there is little or nothing you can do about it. Here are some steps you can take to try to avoid rear-end collisions.

  • Keep an appropriate distance. If you’re behind another car, allow one car length for every 10 miles per hour of your speed. This will ensure that you have time to stop should the other vehicle suddenly swerve, slow, stop, or lose control. If you are being tailgated, increase the distance by pulling over and letting the tailgater pass.
  • Avoid aggression. When you are driving, always keep your aggressive driving behaviors in check. If you see another driver accelerating quickly, changing lanes erratically, and following closely, slow down, pull over, and allow them to pass. Putting some distance between yourself and aggressive drivers will help keep you safe.
  • Don’t “brake check.” Sometimes, if we are being tailgated, it is tempting to pump the brakes, but this only increases your risk of a rear-end collision and irritates the other driver, who is already exhibiting aggressive driving behaviors. Instead, simply let the vehicle pass.
  • Stay in the right-hand lane. Unless you are passing another vehicle, try to stay in the right-hand lane on the highway. Cruising at a slower speed in the left-hand land can place you in the path of tailgaters.
  • Observe the speed limit. Of course, in addition to allowing adequate space between your vehicle and others, always observing the speed limits and other posted rules will ensure that you stay as safe as possible on the roads.

Reach Out to a Georgia Tailgating Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been in a tailgating car accident in Duluth, Georgia? These accidents can potentially result in serious injuries, including head trauma, lacerations, burns, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, whiplash, seat belt injuries, and other serious injuries. Those who are harmed in rear end collisions are frequently able to get compensation for their property damages, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages such as pain and suffering. If you have been hurt in a tailgating car accident in Duluth, contact Cain Injury Law right away and let our experienced car accident lawyers help you get the compensation you deserve.