The streets of Chicago have aggressive drivers on the roadways engaging in a behavior called tailgating. In some cases, following too closely to the vehicle directly in front of a driver can result from road rage, impatience, or simply because a motorist is running late. If you suffered any personal injuries in an accident due to tailgating or due to someone else’s negligence, consider a Chicago tailgating lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to help you understand your legal rights and help you determine your next steps. Call us at (800) 794-0444.
Our Personal Injury Law Firm Represents Tailgated Accident Victims
Our personal injury law firm advocates for accident victims by offering free consultations and working on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay any up-front fees for our legal services. We only collect our payment if we secure a settlement or court-awarded recovery on your behalf. We take on even the toughest cases, so if another law firm turned your case down, do not hesitate to call us. We aim for you to suffer no further loss as a result of someone else’s negligence on the road.
Dangers of Tailgating
Tailgating happens when a driver simply does not give themselves enough distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them in order to safely stop or slow down to prevent a car crash. Tailgating drivers believe that they will have the dexterity and reflexes to stop their vehicles in time to prevent a collision. They forget that a driver must first perceive that some sort of dangerous condition either has occurred or is in the process of occurring and that their brain needs time to process that information. The amount of time that this takes may not leave enough to prevent a tailgater from crashing their car into the one in front of them. This process worsens if a driver has distractions such as texting and driving or changing the channel on the radio. Drivers should always ensure that the gap between their vehicles and the one in front of them allows them to come to an immediate complete stop without endangering anyone’s safety on the roadways.
For a free legal consultation with a Tailgating Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Illinois Law Regarding Following Too Closely
The state of Illinois has specific laws related to driving too closely to other motorists on the roadways. Under Section 625 ILCS 5/11-710 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, no driver may, under the law, follow another vehicle too closely in an imprudent or unreasonable way. Every motorist must take into account the traffic conditions, the conditions of the roadway, the weather conditions, and the speed and behavior of other vehicles. Unless a vehicle has the intention of passing another motorist, they must leave sufficient space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
Chicago Tailgating Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Legal Penalties for Tailgaters
Following too closely to another vehicle, or tailgating classifies as a moving violation for the driver. This moving violation will include court costs, mandatory fees, and a maximum fine of $1,000.00. If a motorist drove recklessly, carelessly, or negligently in any way, they may receive additional moving violations. If a victim can prove that the tailgater was negligent or driving recklessly, they may receive additional compensation for their personal injuries.
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Reducing the Risk of Accidents with Cars that Tailgate
There are several ways that you may reduce your risk of involvement in a tailgating car accident. Practice the following safety tips on the road:
- Keep a significant distance between your vehicle and motorcycles, large commercial trucks, and other vehicles on the roadways.
- Always drive the speed limit.
- Make sure to take extra safety precautions when driving in poor weather conditions.
- Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of you at all times.
- Change lanes if you feel a vehicle is tailgating you.
- Never text and drive.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Always give yourself a ten-foot distance between your vehicle and every other vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles an hour you are driving.
- Never flash your lights, speed up, or step on the brakes in an attempt to provoke any driver that may be tailgating you.
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Types of Injuries Victims May Suffer in a Tailgating Accident
If you suffered injuries in a car accident due to being tailgated, the vehicle behind you may have slammed into yours with excessive force. Rear-end collisions can cause catastrophic personal injuries or even death. Some of the types of serious injuries that a victim may suffer in an accident with a tailgater may include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Broken or fractured bones
- Aortic dissection
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
Every traffic accident case is unique, and you may have suffered different injuries than these in your car wreck.
Contact a Chicago Tailgating Lawyer to Learn More
Following an accident with a tailgating driver, you may experience substantial medical bills, the inability to return to work or school due to your injuries, and pain and suffering. Your quality of life may suffer from your inability to perform daily normal functions.
If you endured injuries in a tailgating accident, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to help you understand your legal rights and how a tailgating attorney serving Chicago may help you.
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