We’ve all been there before – you’re in a rush to get somewhere important, but the driver in front of you is driving under the speed limit. While this can be incredibly frustrating, you should remain calm and patient. However, some drivers do not do this, opting to get as close to the car in front of them as possible to bully or intimidate them into driving faster. Known as tailgating, this is incredibly dangerous and can result in serious injuries in the event of an accident. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how Baltimore County car accident attorneys can help you explore your legal options when you are rear-ended by an impatient driver.
What Is Tailgating?
Tailgating is a term used to describe the act of one driver following the vehicle in front of them at an unsafe distance. Unfortunately, these accidents are incredibly common in Maryland and the United States. Generally, drivers are supposed to keep a three-car distance between themselves and the vehicles in front of them, especially when traveling at high speeds. However, when drivers experience road rage, they may shorten that distance. This is generally done to intimidate the car in front of them in the hopes that they drive faster or switch lanes so the following vehicle can pass. However, drivers may tailgate to prevent another car from merging into a lane.
Tailgating is incredibly unsafe for several reasons. When a vehicle travels at an unsafe distance, it increases the likelihood of an accident drastically because they likely will not have time to stop if the car in front of them breaks. For example, if there is a sudden hazard in the road like an animal or person, the driver in front may have to hit their brakes to avoid it. If the driver behind them is too close, they will not have enough time to react, thus colliding with the vehicle in front.
Additionally, tailgating can make the driver in front uneasy and more likely to make unsafe decisions to avoid the vehicle behind them. This can include driving faster than the posted speed limit or switching lanes when it is not safe to do so. As a result, other drivers and vehicles can be impacted.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt?
If you are injured because of the negligent actions of another driver, understanding your legal options during these times is critical. It’s important to ensure you contact the police and request emergency medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained because of the accident.
Generally, the driver at the rear of a crash is held liable, as it is ultimately their responsibility to maintain a safe following distance. However, they may try to shift the blame to you, claiming you “brake checked” them or hit your breaks for no apparent reason. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an attorney who can represent you during these matters to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to assist you during these times. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.
