Queens Tailgating Accident Lawyer

Rear-end accidents are the most common type of collision in New York. They account for nearly 30 percent of all accidents, and many of these crashes occur when a driver follows another car too closely. Even with your no-fault insurance coverage, the injuries, financial losses, and stress from a tailgating accident can create havoc in your life.

A Queens tailgating accident lawyer at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., is ready to fight for you and help you rebuild your life. Our car accident attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience. Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims in Queens, NY. We handle the legal work, and you don’t pay a dime unless you recover compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review.

How The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. Can Help If You Were in a Tailgating Crash

After a tailgating accident, you would first file a claim with your no-fault insurance policy. If your injuries are serious, you may also have a right to pursue compensation from the driver who hit you. That will require proof that the at-fault driver was engaged in unsafe behavior by following too closely.

Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience investigating tailgating accident cases and negotiating with insurance companies for full and fair compensation. When you work with our law firm after a tailgating car accident, our lawyers will seek evidence of dangerous driving behavior to build a strong case for financial compensation. As part of our legal representation, we provide the following services:

• Investigate the accident – We will examine the police report, witness accounts, surveillance or traffic camera footage, photos from the scene, and other evidence to understand how the crash happened and identify driver negligence.
• Calculating your claim’s value – Your injuries and financial losses from a tailgating accident must meet specific thresholds for you to be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against another driver. We review your medical records and consult with your doctors to understand your future medical treatment needs and have a complete picture of the harm you’ve suffered.
• Handling the insurance companies – We communicate with the insurance companies and represent you in settlement negotiations to try to secure a fair settlement. Since we handle the insurers, you can focus on healing instead of worrying about your claim.
• Preparing your case for trial – Our law firm is successful in settling most cases we handle without a trial. But the threat of litigation provides leverage in negotiations with insurance companies. Filing a personal injury lawsuit demonstrates that you are serious about asserting your rights. We handle all trial preparation and will be prepared to present a compelling case in court if necessary.

Causes of Tailgating Accidents

Some common causes of rear-end crashes include:

• Driving too close in heavy traffic – Queens has many heavily trafficked roads. Drivers should allow sufficient distance to the car ahead to brake safely. Tailgating causes accidents. A tailgating driver leaves no room to come to a complete stop safely when the driver ahead stops suddenly.
• Speeding on local streets and parkways – Higher speeds reduce the amount of time drivers have to stop safely, meaning even a small mistake can cause a collision. Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks need more distance to stop, especially on wet or slick roads. Commercial truck drivers should avoid tailgating.
• Distracted driving – A glance at a phone, navigation system, or dashboard screen can cause a tailgating driver to fail to see that the front vehicle has stopped or slowed down.
• Aggressive driving and road rage – Some drivers tailgate to pressure others into increasing speed, changing lanes, or getting out of the way. These aggressive driving maneuvers can easily cause a crash.
• Unsafe lane changes – Drivers who weave through traffic may cut in with little space, forcing other drivers to brake suddenly or crash.
• Bad weather and poor visibility – Rain, fog, and snow make it harder to stop quickly. Tailgating makes those conditions even more dangerous. Driver
• Driver fatigue – Tired drivers react more slowly to changes in traffic, have a harder time paying attention, and frequently misjudge stopping distances. All of these factors increase the risk of tailgating car accidents.
• Inexperienced drivers – Drivers who lack experience may fail to allow a safe distance between vehicles. They may not know how quickly traffic patterns can change in Queens.
• Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs slow drivers’ reaction times, cause errors in judgment, and make it harder to maintain a safe following distance.
• Vehicle defects or poor maintenance – Worn brakes, bald tires, or other mechanical problems can reduce a car’s stopping power and increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Common Injuries from Tailgating Accidents

Auto accidents frequently result in severe injuries, particularly when the rear vehicle collides with the car ahead at high speed. Injuries from accidents caused by tailgating include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Herniated discs
• Seatbelt injuries
• Broken bones
• Neck injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to internal organs
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Airbag deployment injuries
• PTSD and other mental health conditions

Proving Liability for a Tailgating Collision

To win a personal injury claim against a driver who rear-ended you, you must show that the at-fault driver acted carelessly or recklessly and that their unsafe driving behavior directly led to your injuries. An experienced tailgating accident lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim, including the following:

• The police accident report, which typically includes the responding officer’s assessment of how the crash happened
• Photos or videos from the accident scene
• Video from nearby traffic or surveillance cameras
• Witness accounts
• Testimony from expert witnesses such as medical professionals
• Forensic analysis of the damage to your car

Compensation Available for Injuries Suffered in a Tailgating Accident

Your first source of compensation after an accident caused by tailgating is your no-fault insurance coverage. New York law requires all auto insurance policies to include this coverage, which provides up to $50,000 to pay for your medical bills, offset a portion of your lost wages, and cover certain incidental expenses.

However, given the high cost of medical attention, your losses could easily exceed $50,000 if you have serious injuries. If your injuries meet specific legal thresholds, you may have a right to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the driver who hit you. These claims can include compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income while you heal
• Reduced future income due to a long-term injury or disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• The cost to repair or replace your car or other damaged property

A tailgating car accident lawyer can review the specific circumstances of your accident and discuss your legal options.

Our Queens Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

You may have a right to demand compensation if someone seriously injured you in a Queens tailgating accident. Call The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., in Queens, NY, or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Turn to the legal team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. for trusted guidance and experienced representation.