Tailgating Car Accident Lawyers in Albany, NY

Your Road to Recovery Begins Here

Tailgating accidents can turn a regular day into one of the most stressful times of your life. 

When another driver tailgates and causes a collision, it’s more than just a fender bender—it’s a situation that can leave you injured and unsure of what to do next. The constant traffic in Albany, especially on busy roads like I-90 or Lark Street, only makes rear-end collisions accidents more likely.

In November 2024, the NYPD reported following too closely as a contributing factor in 457 vehicles that were involved in collisions. 

We know how heavy the aftermath of an accident feels. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’re here to take that stress off your shoulders. Our personal injury lawyers have assisted countless people in Albany navigate the legal process, secure compensation, and get their lives back on track. Let us do the same for you.

What Exactly Is Tailgating, and Why Is It So Dangerous?

When someone’s driving right on your bumper, you feel it. That tension in your chest, that tiny spark of fear every time you tap the brakes—they’re clear signs of a tailgater. 

It happens when a driver doesn’t leave enough space between their car and yours. If traffic suddenly slows or you have to stop, they don’t have enough time to react. And boom—a collision happens.

In Albany, this is all too common, especially in traffic-heavy areas like Empire State Plaza during rush hour. It isn’t just annoying; it’s reckless. Drivers who do it are often impatient, distracted, or even aggressive, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Legally, following too closely in New York is considered negligence. In simple terms, the tailgater is breaking their duty to drive safely, and if their actions cause an accident, they can be held responsible.

Injuries From Car Accidents: More Serious Than You’d Think

You might think, “It was just a little bump.” But even minor rear-end accidents can cause major injuries.

• Whiplash: That sudden jolt can strain your neck and leave you in pain for weeks—or longer. It’s one of the most common injuries from rear-end crashes.
• Back and spinal injuries: These can range from herniated discs to fractures, often leading to long-term discomfort or even permanent issues.
• Concussions: Even a small impact can cause a concussion, leading to headaches, memory problems, and more.
• Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, sprains, and torn muscles might not show up right away but can seriously affect your mobility.

Recovering from these injuries isn’t always straightforward. You might need weeks of physical therapy, expensive treatments, or even surgery. 

And let’s not forget the emotional toll—pain, stress, and frustration can weigh on you heavily. Places like Albany Medical Center are excellent for treatment, but we know that recovery involves more than just good medical care.

Proving Who’s Responsible

Here’s the good news: If someone rear-ended you because they were too close, they’re usually at fault. In most cases, the law is on your side. But proving it can still be a challenge.

That’s why evidence is so critical. We’ll dig into everything, including:

• Police reports: These often note if the driver behind you was following too closely.
• Witness accounts: If someone saw what happened, their statement could be invaluable.
• Traffic camera footage: Albany has cameras at major intersections—like Madison Avenue—that might have caught the accident on video.

New York’s comparative negligence rule can complicate things, though. If the other driver’s lawyer argues that you were partly to blame (like if you stopped suddenly without signaling), it could reduce your compensation. 

That’s why having a skilled team like ours fighting for you is so important.

What Can You Get Compensation For?

After an accident, the bills start piling up fast. You shouldn’t have to shoulder those costs alone. Here’s what you can potentially recover:

• Medical bills: Whether it’s an ER visit, physical therapy, or ongoing treatments, you can get reimbursed for the care you need.
• Lost income: If you had to miss work—or can’t return because of your injuries—we’ll fight to make sure you’re compensated.
• Pain and suffering: This is about more than just physical pain. It’s about the emotional toll, too—the frustration of not being able to do what you love, the anxiety, and the stress.
• Vehicle repairs: Getting your car back in shape shouldn’t come out of your pocket.

In New York, you’ll need to start with your no-fault insurance, which covers some immediate costs regardless of who’s at fault. But in many cases, your policy won’t cover everything, especially if the accident caused serious injuries. 

That’s when we step in to help you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.

How You Can Stay Safer on Albany’s Roads

No one can control how other people drive, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Keep your distance: Leave at least three seconds of space between you and the car in front of you. It gives you time to react.
• Stay focused: Distracted driving isn’t just about texting. Eating, fiddling with the radio, or even daydreaming can take your attention off the road.
• Watch for aggressive drivers: If someone’s in close proximity, don’t engage. Let them pass instead of escalating the situation.

In Albany, programs like New York’s safety campaigns are working to educate drivers about the dangers of tailgating. But until every driver follows the rules, staying vigilant is your best defense.

Let Horn Wright, LLP Take It from Here

Let’s be honest: Dealing with the aftermath of a tailgating accident can feel overwhelming.

Between the medical bills, the insurance headaches, and the physical pain, it’s enough to make anyone feel extremely stressed out. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to handle this alone.

Our team at Horn Wright, LLP is here to help you every step of the way. Our personal injury lawyers will handle the paperwork, deal with the insurance companies, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. That way, you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Don’t wait. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case. Call us today.