A motorist can suffer both physical and mental trauma from a variety of different types of auto accidents. However, one of the most common types of collision is a tailgating accident. Tailgating occurs when a motorist follows too closely behind the vehicle in front of them. Consequently, they rear-end the other driver because they left insufficient distance between themselves and the other driver. Essentially, tailgating is considered a violent or aggressive form of driving as it increases the likelihood of being involved in a collision. In the unfortunate event that you or someone you care about has been injured in a tailgating accident, contact a qualified St. Mary’s County Car Accident Lawyer who can help you navigate your legal options to recover monetary compensation for your losses.
What are tailgating accidents in Maryland?
Essentially, tailgating is an aggressive form of driving where motorists neglect to leave ample distance between themselves and another vehicle. As a result, a motorist may tail behind another car too closely which causes them to collide with the back of the other motorist’s vehicle. According to statistics, Maryland has averaged over 4,000 collisions over the past five years as a result of driver aggression. Unfortunately, tailgating accidents are extremely common. A motorist may be in a rush to get to their destination. However, this does not give them reasonable grounds to tailgate another vehicle as it could result in a collision. This is because motorists who tailgate do not have adequate time to react to the other driver’s actions. In addition, they do not have enough time to react to road hazards and inclement weather conditions. Motorists need sufficient time to react to their surroundings. Tailgating is dangerous. Motorists should refrain from driving too closely to the vehicle in front of them to prevent this type of collision from happening on the road.
Who is liable for this type of accident?
A motorist who rear-ends another vehicle because they are following behind too closely is liable for the accident as their aggressive actions caused the collision to occur. Motorists are legally required to abide by the rules of the road and operate a vehicle with reasonable care. Essentially, this means that if a driver is aggressively or recklessly driving, they will be responsible for any collisions or damages that occur as a direct result of their negligence. Motorists must operate their vehicles safely and properly to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. Ultimately, motorists who tailgate behind a vehicle are liable for any collisions because if they had left adequate room between themselves and the other vehicle to give them enough time to react to certain situations they could have otherwise prevented the collision.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to another motorist tailgating, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our determined and knowledgeable team members. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek financial compensation for their damages. Allow our firm to help you today.
