(845) 802-0047Following too closely, or tailgating is unnecessarily reckless behavior. This is because it increases the risk of rear-ending or colliding with other traffic. Tailgating closes the gap between vehicles which creates a shorter reaction time and shorter distance to stop in time. This effect of shorter reaction time and shorter distance to stop are multiplied in larger commercial vehicles which already need more time to react and more distance to stop. Because of this, tailgating is one of the more common reasons for New York trucking accidents which result in devastating personal injuries and wrongful deaths.
Victims who are seriously injured have rights under both New York law and federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Both the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and the FMCSA regulations prohibit tailgating and following too closely. Additionally, both bodies of law require truck drivers to maintain a speed no greater than a speed that can be safely controlled. When truck drivers are tailgating and cause New York trucking accidents, it is very likely that the truck driver and the trucking company will be liable for a victim’s injuries.
Causes of Tailgating and New York Trucking Accidents
There are many causes of tailgating which could result in catastrophic injuries in an 18 wheeler wreck. In almost every situation, the tailgating is improper and illegal which could be completely avoided with the proper exercise of care.
The most common causes of tailgating include the following:
- Aggressive driving;
- Unrealistic schedules;
- Inclement weather;
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Fatigued driving;
- Drunk driving and DUI crashes, as well as drugged driving;
- Truck driver inexperience; and
- Many other causes.
Types of Trucking Collisions Due to Tailgating
Tailgating creates risks for several different types of New York trucking accidents. These 18 wheeler accidents are likely to result in serious personal injuries, particularly to the spine or head in whiplash injuries. Some of the most common types of trucking collisions due to following too closely or tailgating includes the following:
- Rear end collisions;
- Undercarriage crashes;
- Jackknife crashes;
- Sideswipe crashes;
- Head on collisions; and
- Other crashes.
Victims Injured in New York Trucking Accidents Due to Tailgating Truck Drivers Should Call Our Law Firm
Tailgating is generally perceived as aggressive driving behavior. It is also a reckless driving behavior. Simply put, motorists who use reasonable care under the circumstances in the use and operation of their motor vehicle do not tailgate. When truck drivers cause New York trucking accidents due to tailgating and following too closely, victims who are injured may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, property damage, lost future earnings, loss of connection with family, and other damages.
If you or a loved one have been catastrophically injured or if a loved one has been wrongfully killed in a tailgating trucking crash, please call our New York trucking accident lawyer to schedule a FREE consultation to learn what your rights to compensation are and how our compassionate staff can help you.