Tailgating Car Accident Lawyers in Burlington, VT 

Tailgating is a big problem on our roads. It’s not just annoying; it’s dangerous. When someone follows too closely, they’re playing with fire. If the car in front stops suddenly, there’s no room to react, and boom—a rear-end collision. Here in Burlington, VT, with its winding streets and unpredictable winters, tailgating can turn into a disaster in seconds. Roads like I-89 and Route 7 get packed, and icy patches make stopping even harder. 

We know how overwhelming life can feel after a crash. The stress, the pain, the mountain of paperwork—it’s a lot. That’s why we’re here. At Horn Wright, LLP, our car accident lawyers handle the legal headaches so you can focus on what matters: getting better and getting back to your life. 

What is Tailgating and Why It’s Dangerous? 

Tailgating happens when a driver stays too close to the car in front of them. And it’s dangerous for one simple reason: there’s no time to stop if something goes wrong. 

If you’re driving at 40 mph, your car needs a few hundred feet to come to a full stop. But if the person behind you is riding your bumper, they can’t react in time. Vermont law says drivers must keep a “reasonable and prudent” distance from the car ahead, but not everyone plays by the rules. Under 23 V.S.A. § 1039, tailgating is illegal under Vermont law.

In Burlington, the risks get worse when you add snow, rain, or black ice into the mix. Even the best drivers can skid on slippery streets. Tailgating in those conditions? It’s a recipe for disaster. 

Tailgating Accident Statistics in Vermont 

Did you know rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes? In Vermont, tailgating is a big part of the problem, especially during winter. Across the U.S., rear-end crashes account for over 30% of all accidents.

Vermont’s icy roads and long winters lead to a higher percentage of rear-end collisions compared to states with milder weather. 

With its mix of city drivers, tourists, and college students, Burlington sees more congestion—and more tailgating accidents—than other parts of the state. And rightly so, being Vermont's most populated city it also has the largest hospital in the state and largest airport. 

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people whose lives were turned upside down. 

Under the Microscope: Causes of Tailgating in Burlington, VT 

Why do people tailgate? Sometimes it’s impatience. Other times, it’s distraction. And in Burlington, local factors make it even more common. 

Congested Hotspots: Church Street Marketplace and the University of Vermont campus are traffic magnets. Drivers get stuck in slow-moving traffic, inch closer, and before you know it, someone’s tailgating. Vermont has been ranked 5th in traffic congestion for drivers.

Bad Weather: Snowstorms and freezing rain are just part of life in Vermont. But those slippery conditions don’t stop some drivers from following too closely. That split-second loss of traction can turn into a crash. 

Impatience on Main Routes: Roads like Route 7 and Pine Street get clogged during rush hour. When drivers are late or frustrated, they’re more likely to tailgate to try to “push” traffic forward. 

Distractions Everywhere: Phones, GPS directions, or even checking out the scenery by Lake Champlain can pull a driver’s attention away. Even though Vermont has been credited with having the fewest distracted drivers in the USA, a distracted driver is less likely to notice when they’re creeping up too close. 

Not So Minor: Serious Injuries From Tailgating Accidents 

 A tailgating accident might seem minor at first, but the injuries can stick with you for a long time. Here are a few common ones: 

Whiplash: That sudden jolt of a rear-end collision can whip your neck forward and back, leaving you in pain for weeks—or longer. Victims often don't realize the injury caused by whiplash until they get the most important diagnostic test in a personal injury case. 

Head Injuries: Your head hitting the steering wheel or window can cause anything from a mild concussion to serious brain trauma. 

Spine Injuries: The force of a collision can compress, strain, or even fracture parts of your spine, making every movement painful. Many crash victims sustain disc herniations and protrusions after tailgating crashes. 

Broken Bones: Wrists, ribs, and even legs can break from the impact. These injuries take time—and sometimes surgery—to heal. 

Chronic Pain or Mobility Issues: Some injuries don’t fully heal, leaving you with long-term challenges that affect your daily life. 

Let’s be real: medical care is expensive, and the recovery process can take a toll. That’s why getting compensation isn’t just about money— it's about getting the support and resources needed to fully recover and move forward with your life. 

Who's Legally at Fault in Vermont Tailgating Car Accidents 

In Vermont, the at-fault driver has to cover the damages, and in tailgating cases, it’s usually pretty clear who’s responsible. 

• Proving Negligence: Dashcam footage, witness statements, or even skid marks on the road can show that the other driver was too close to stop in time. 
• Defenses They Might Try: Sometimes the at-fault driver will say the lead car “stopped suddenly” or had a brake light out to share blame under Vermont's comparative negligence statute. Don’t worry—we know how to counter those arguments. 
• Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies are notorious for downplaying injuries or blaming the victim. With our Vermont law firm team, you won’t have to fight them alone. 

When you work with Horn Wright, LLP, we’ll help you collect the evidence you need to prove your case. 

What You Need to do Next After a Tailgating Car Accident 

If you’ve been in an accident, here’s what you should do: 

Check for Injuries: First, make sure you and your passengers are safe. Call 911 right away if anyone’s hurt, or the Burlington Police Department or Vermont State Police. Even if you think you’re fine, see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up immediately. 

Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage, the road conditions, and any skid marks. Get the other driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details. 

Gather Witness Info: If someone saw the crash, ask for their name and number. Their statement could be critical later. 

Call an Attorney: Dealing with insurance companies can be a nightmare, especially with the tricks they play. We’ll take that burden off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Your safety and recovery come first. Let us handle the rest. 

How Horn Wright, LLP, Fights for You 

We know what you’re going through, and we’re here to help. At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys have spent years helping Burlington residents after accidents like these. Our team understands the local roads, the insurance companies, and, most importantly, your needs. 

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re getting a team that genuinely cares about your recovery. We’ll handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the legal battles so you can focus on healing. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call today. Don't wait any longer to get the help you need after your accident. Contact us at (802) 328-9098 for a free consultation.