How do I Avoid an Accident if Another Driver Tailgates Me?

Tailgating occurs when a driver follows the vehicle in front too closely, leaving insufficient space to stop safely if the lead vehicle suddenly stops. This aggressive driving behavior significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

If another driver tailgates your vehicle, follow these steps:

Stay calm: Don’t let the tailgater’s behavior upset you or cause you to make rash decisions.
Maintain your speed: Resist the urge to speed up. Continue driving at a safe, legal speed.
Use turn signals early: Signal well before any turns or lane changes to give the tailgater more time to react.
Move over when safe: If you’re on a multi-lane road, move to the right lane when it’s safe to do so, allowing the tailgater to pass.

If a tailgating vehicle hits you despite your efforts, it’s time to talk to a Phoenix car accident lawyer. In any rear-end collision, the driver in the back is most often at fault for an accident for following too closely.

Why Is Tailgating Dangerous and Why Do People Do it?

Tailgating is dangerous because it:

Reduces reaction time for both drivers
Increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions
Creates unnecessary stress and tension on the road
Can lead to road rage incidents

Understanding why drivers tailgate can help you better anticipate and respond to this dangerous behavior:

Impatience: Some drivers believe tailgating will make the car in front speed up or move over, allowing them to reach their destination faster.
Distraction: Distracted drivers may not realize how close they are to the vehicle in front of them.
Aggressive driving: Some drivers use tailgating as a form of intimidation or to express frustration with slower traffic.
Poor driving habits: Some drivers haven’t learned or don’t practice following distance techniques properly.
Traffic conditions: In heavy traffic, some drivers may follow too closely to prevent other vehicles from merging in front of them.

While these reasons may explain tailgating behavior, they don’t justify it. Tailgating is always dangerous and illegal, regardless of the motivation behind it.

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Should I Brake Check a Tailgater?

No, you should never brake check a tailgater. If you don’t know what a brake check is, it’s when you tap your brakes while a car is following close behind you. People do it to warn, scare, or punish the tailgating driver.

Brake checking can lead to:

Rear-end collisions
Multi-car pileups
Road rage incidents

It’s also something that could make a rear-end collision your fault. If the tailgating driver has a dash camera or some other way to prove you used your brakes this way, the fault could shift to you, and you could be held liable for damages.

What Should I Do if the Tailgater Becomes Aggressive?

Sometimes, a tailgater may get angry at you and drive more aggressively. They may honk or start to swerve, trying to find a way around you. The first thing to do is not to react. Avoid eye contact or making gestures, which could create a road rage incident.

If you are not in the right lane, move over to let the tailgater pass you. If followed, you may even consider driving into a public parking lot with people around. If you feel threatened, ask a passenger to call 911 or pull over to call yourself.

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How Can I Prevent Tailgating?

You cannot control the behavior of other drivers, but there are things you can do to reduce the chances of being tailgated. These include:

Stay aware of your surroundings and the traffic flow around you.
Maintain a constant speed as much as possible and stay below the speed limit.
Drive in the right lane on multi-lane roads unless you must pass or make a left.
On highways, use cruise control if the conditions allow it.

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What Should I Do If a Tailgater Causes an Accident?

If a tailgater gets into a rear-end accident with you:

Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
Move to a safe location if possible.
Document the scene with photos and videos.
Gather information from the other driver and witnesses.
Contact your insurance company.
Consider contacting a personal injury attorney.

At Zanes Law, we have extensive experience handling car accident cases, including tailgating cases. Please contact us for legal assistance if a tailgater has hit you.

Can I Be Held Liable if a Tailgater Hits Me?

Generally, the tailgating driver is considered at fault in rear-end collisions. However, insurance companies may try to argue shared fault. You need an experienced attorney to document the scene and negotiate with the insurance company.

If you share fault in your accident, your compensation may be reduced dramatically. You may even lose your case. Fight back against these accusations with the help of Zanes Law.

How Can Zanes Law Help If I’ve Been in a Tailgating Accident?

If you don’t know what to do if another driver tailgates you and causes an accident, Zanes Law is here to help. Our experienced team has a 99% win rate and has recovered over $500 million for our clients.

Contact Zanes Law today for a free consultation. We’re committed to protecting your rights, so let us use our experience to your advantage.

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