Not All Tailgating Accidents Are The Same

Following another vehicle too closely, commonly referred to as tailgating, is a dangerous driving behavior that significantly increases the risk of collisions. While the practice is often associated with simple rear-end accidents, the reality is that these crashes can vary widely in severity and impact.

In a busy city like Orlando, where tourism and local traffic keep roads congested, tailgating accidents happen frequently, sometimes with devastating consequences. If you were injured in an accident because of a tailgating driver, talk to an Orlando personal injury attorney to assess what level of compensation you need to move forward.

Chain Reaction Accidents and Loss of Control

Tailgating occurs when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance behind another vehicle. The recommended gap is at least three seconds in normal conditions, with additional space needed during poor weather or heavy traffic. Yet with the prevalence of aggressive driving, impatience, and distractions, some Florida drivers ignore basic traffic rules, putting themselves and others at risk.

While many people think of tailgating accidents as minor fender-benders, the reality is that these crashes can take multiple forms, including:

• Low-speed rear-end collisions. These often happen in stop-and-go traffic, but even at low speeds, whiplash and soft tissue injuries can occur.
• High-speed rear-end collisions. When tailgating occurs at high speeds, the impact can be severe, leading to serious injuries like spinal trauma, concussions, and broken bones.
• Chain reaction crashes. In heavy congestion, one tailgating incident can lead to a multi-car pileup. These accidents are common near major tourist attractions, where there are drivers not familiar with the area and possibly driving cars they are unaccustomed to, which can lead to unpredictable driving behaviors, such as sudden braking.
• Loss of control collisions. If a driver tailgates too closely and swerves to avoid a collision, they may lose control and crash into other vehicles or objects, creating even more danger on the road.

The injuries from tailgating accidents vary depending on speed, vehicle type, and the circumstances of the crash.

Orlando’s Tailgating Hotspots

Certain locations in Orlando see higher rates of tailgating-related crashes. For example, I-4 is notorious for aggressive driving and tailgating. Additionally, commuters rushing to and from downtown often follow too closely, leading to accidents on the East-West Expressway. There are also issues on the roads near theme parks like Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld as out-of-town drivers navigate unfamiliar streets.

While collision hotspots do exist, the reality is that tailgating accidents can happen anywhere there is traffic. From local streets to suburban neighborhoods, no road is immune to the dangers of a driver following too closely. By holding negligent drivers accountable, victims secure the financial relief they need and send a message to reckless drivers that they need to adjust their habits. After a tailgating collision, speak with an Orlando personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Have you’ve been injured in a tailgating accident? Seek medical attention, document the accident scene, and talk to the attorneys at Israoui Law, legal professionals who specialize in car accident claims. Call 407-381-4529 today for the personal attention you deserve.  Always speak to an experienced accident attorney before speaking to any insurance company.