Tailgating is when one vehicle follows another vehicle too closely. It is a terrible habit that many drivers have. A driver might tailgate another vehicle because they are frustrated that the motorist in front of them is driving too slowly, or the driver might not realize they are following too closely. In either case, tailgating another vehicle reduces the amount of time the driver has to stop. If the vehicle in front of them comes to a sudden stop, the tailgating driver might not have enough room or time to stop.
Rear-end collisions are much more dangerous than people may think. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 2,456 rear-end accidents ended in a fatality in 2017. If you suffered any damage due to a tailgating driver, a Long Island tailgating accident lawyer can help you fight for compensation for your injuries. Morelli Law Firm is here to fight for your rights in your tailgating accident case. Call us today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation.
Tailgating Accidents Can Lead to Severe Injuries
Tailgating can result in serious injuries if it leads to a rear-end collision. These injuries can be life-altering or even fatal. Even what seems like a minor rear-end collision might result in devastation, and minor injuries can cause severe financial repercussions.
Some common injuries that occur in rear-end collisions include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs during a rear-end collision accident. Whiplash occurs when the neck and back experience a sudden, violent movement. The soft tissue is damaged, causing discomfort and pain. Recovery time from whiplash can vary, depending on the momentum of the vehicle in the accident. The injury may be worse when the driver is taken off guard, as is often the case in a rear-end collision. The muscles do not have time to tighten up in preparation for the hit.
Airbag Injuries
Airbags are in the vehicle to help protect passengers from injuries. They deploy when the vehicle suffers an abrupt impact. While the airbags are meant to protect you, they can also cause serious injuries. When the airbag deploys, the force can strike a passenger with damaging strength. The airbag can cause burns, cuts, bone fractures, and even head injuries. If an airbag happens to be defective, the injuries can be much worse.
Head Injuries
Head injuries, no matter how minor they might seem, should never be taken lightly. When you hit your head, you can suffer serious damage. Symptoms of head injuries can take some time to manifest if they are not immediately obvious.
Some common symptoms of a head injury include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in cognitive performance
- Loss of consciousness
Back Injuries
Back injuries are easy to get and hard to diagnose. Even a minor car accident can cause a serious back injury. A sudden impact can cause a herniated disc or a spine fracture. Some symptoms to look for in back injuries are:
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle spasms
- Trouble walking or standing
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause a major disruption in someone’s daily life. A spinal cord injury can cause partial or complete paralysis. If someone suffers from a spinal cord injury, they might have long-term pain, bladder problems, trouble breathing, or trouble walking.
Broken Bones
Someone who gets hit from behind in a tailgating accident can suffer from a bone fracture. Drivers often have their hands on the steering wheel when they are in an accident. This can result in fractured arms or wrists. If the impact is hard enough, they might also risk fracturing their ribs or legs.
Burns and Scrapes
When a person is in a car accident, scrapes and burns are a common injury. These injuries can stem from broken glass, bent metal, or metal that overheats. Burns and scrapes can vary from minor injuries to injuries that require serious medical treatment.
Your Lawyer Can Help You Build Your Case for Compensation
As stated in the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, you generally have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
A Long Island tailgating accident lawyer can help walk you through the process to fight for compensation. Our team at Morelli Law Firm can act as the point of contact between you and other parties involved, such as the insurance companies, lawyers, and the other drivers. We can also help you by gathering evidence to build your case. This evidence might include:
- Photographs
- Video surveillance
- Eyewitnesses
- Medical statements
- Expert testimony
- Mechanic statements
Gathering evidence can help you build a strong claim or lawsuit. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. If you were rear-ended or involved in a tailgating accident, you might be able to receive compensation for the damages you experienced. There might be more compensation available to you than you realize. For example, you might be entitled to get compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle damages
- Vehicle replacement
- Pain and suffering
- The time you missed from work
- Decrease in salary due to injuries
- Future medical expenses you might need to treat your injuries
If a tailgating driver injured you, you do not need to fight for compensation on your own. Let our team help you. Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation.
Long Island Tailgating Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
How Our Legal Team Can Help
A Long Island tailgating accident lawyer can fight to protect your rights in a tailgating accident claim. Morelli Law Firm can walk you through the legal process, gather evidence, and take over as the main point of contact. Let us take the stress of the claim off your shoulders so that you can focus on recovering. Call us today at (212) 751-9800 to get started.