Tailgating Car Accidents

Tailgating, an alarming practice prevalent on the roads, involves driving too close to the vehicle in front. Colorado witnesses numerous car accidents annually due to this perilous habit, ranging from minor rear-end collisions to catastrophic high-speed crashes. If you find yourself injured in a tailgating incident in Denver, you might be entitled to financial compensation.

If you sustained injuries in an accident in Colorado, contact the personal injury lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced legal team are knowledgeable and zealous advocates for our clients and their cases. We treat our clients as people, not case files. Learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our Denver law firm to learn more.

Decoding Tailgating: A Risky Pursuit

The term “Tailgating” colloquially refers to the act of following too closely behind another vehicle. This occurs when a driver fails to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle’s front and the back of the car ahead. Tailgating can be intentional, stemming from frustration and a desire to communicate with the lead driver, or unintentional, caused by distractions or drowsiness.

Tailgating creates a high risk of rear end accidents. By following too closely, a driver loses time to slow or stop to avoid collision with a car in front of them. Tailgating can pair with other causes of crashes, such as distracted driving, speeding and drunk driving. A distracted driver who is also tailgating is extremely dangerous to other drivers around them.

Navigating Colorado’s Stance on Tailgating

Colorado has established both state and municipal laws to curb tailgating. According to Colorado Revised Statute Section 42-4-1008, a motor vehicle driver must not follow another vehicle more closely than deemed “reasonable and prudent.” The definition of reasonable varies based on factors such as traffic conditions, road conditions, and vehicle speeds. It is determined on a case-by-case basis, usually after a thorough investigation following a related car accident.

Maintaining an average following distance is crucial, ideally one car length for every 10 miles per hour of the vehicle’s speed. Alternatively, a two-second interval between vehicles is recommended. This interval is measured as the time between the rear of one vehicle passing an object and the front of the following vehicle passing the same object, aligning with the measurements outlined in the Colorado Springs Municipal Code.

The Perils of Tailgating: Unraveling Car Accident Risks

Laws against close following primarily aim to prevent rear-end collisions. Sufficient space between vehicles provides the rear driver with the time and distance needed to hit the brakes and avoid colliding with the lead driver. Removing this space diminishes the reaction time, significantly increasing the likelihood of a crash.

Apart from the risks associated with inadequate space between vehicles, tailgating often intertwines with other perilous driving behaviors. This includes aggressive driving, road rage, excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, and unsafe lane changes, all of which escalate the risk of a car accident.

In cases where tailgating leads to a rear-end collision, the driver at the back may suffer severe injuries. Even a low-speed collision can forcefully jerk a driver’s head and neck, resulting in whiplash. High-speed collisions amplify the severity of injuries, causing back injuries, knee injuries, muscle strains, sprains, and broken bones.

Determining Liability in Tailgating-Induced Rear-End Collisions

In most rear-end collision claims, the rear driver is deemed liable or at fault for the accident. The onus lies on the rear driver to maintain a safe following distance and stay attentive on the road. However, exceptional cases may find the lead driver at fault for actions like brake-checking or making an unsafe lane change.

For those seeking to file a claim after a tailgating accident in Denver, seeking assistance from an experienced car accident attorney is crucial. Legal support is especially vital if the other driver’s insurance company attempts to shift blame or rejects your claim. Front Range Injury Attorneys can provide a free case consultation for more information on tailgating car accidents. Reach out to our Denver law firm today for expert guidance.