Tailgating Car Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY 

Why They’re More Just Fender Benders 

Tailgating accidents happen way more often than you’d think. One minute, you’re driving  and the next, there’s a car so close behind you it feels like they’re in your backseat. It’s stressful. It’s scary. And when an accident happens, it’s downright overwhelming.  

The team at Horn Wright, LLP, has helped countless people who’ve been through this exact nightmare. Our Rochester personal injury attorneys know the toll these accidents take on your life, and we’re ready to step in and fight for you.  

When you hire one of the best law firms in America, you get a team who will handle all the legal stuff so you can focus on what matters—getting better and moving forward.

What It Means to Tailgate When Driving 

So, what exactly is tailgating?  

It’s when a driver follows too closely behind another car, leaving zero room to stop if the car in front brakes suddenly. This almost always leads to a rear-end collision. Sometimes it’s just a minor bump. Other times, it’s a major crash that flips your whole world upside down. 

Even a careful driver can struggle when visibility drops during fog or a snowstorm. Motorists don’t realize it’s not just falling snow that’s dangerous, blowing snow that’s already on the ground can cause rapid deterioration in visibility. Following too closely in these conditions? That’s a disaster waiting to happen. 

Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Keep Happening 

Why do tailgating accidents happen? The reasons aren’t surprising, but they’re still frustrating. Here’s a breakdown: 

• Distracted Driving: Texting, fiddling with GPS, eating—you name it. When a driver’s not paying attention, they might not even realize they’re bumper-hugging until it’s too late. 
• Impatience: We’ve all been stuck behind someone driving a little slower than we’d like. Some drivers get so fed up they ride the bumper ahead of them, hoping to pressure the other car to speed up. 
• Aggressive Driving: Following too closely is a classic move for aggressive drivers. It’s dangerous, plain and simple. Speeding drivers directly violate the New York Vehicle and Traffic law. 
• Weather Conditions: New York winters aren’t easy. Snow, ice, freezing rain—it all makes stopping harder and accidents more likely. Take good photos of the accident scene if that’s the case to document the conditions.  
• Unfamiliar Roads: Tourists visiting often don’t know the area. They may brake suddenly at the last second to make a turn or stop for a sight they didn’t want to miss. Combine that with unsafe following distance, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. 

Any one of these factors can lead to a tailgating accident. Put a couple of them together, and the odds of a crash skyrocket. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert and leave plenty of space. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to lay blame at the feet of those responsible. 

The Pain You Can’t Ignore After a Collision in Rochester, NY 

Road accidents can leave you with more than just a damaged car. The injuries can be serious and life-altering. Here’s what we see most often: 

• Whiplash: A sudden jolt can leave you with neck pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away overnight. Whiplash can take weeks or even months to heal. 
• Back Injuries: The impact can mess up your spine, leading to herniated discs or long-term pain. 
• Head Trauma: Even with airbags, the force of a crash can cause a concussion or worse. 

But it’s not just the physical pain. Medical bills add up fast. You might miss work, not know how to get your lost wages paid, and the stress of handling everything can feel like too much. That’s why having someone on your side to guide you through this is so important. 

Who’s Really to Blame? Finding Fault in Road Incidents 

When it comes to car crashes, New York law is pretty clear: the driver who was following too closely is usually at fault. But that doesn’t mean every case is cut and dried. 

New York uses comparative negligence, which means fault can be shared. If you did something like brake too suddenly or fail to use your turn signal, you could be found partially responsible. That might reduce how much compensation you can get. Proving fault takes solid evidence—things like police reports, witness statements, and dashcam footage can make all the difference. 

Understanding these laws and how they apply to your situation can feel overwhelming. That’s where a knowledgeable legal team steps in. Our Rochester car accident lawyers help make sense of it all and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. 

What to Do Right After a Tailgating Accident 

If you’ve been in a road accident, it’s easy to feel frozen, unsure of what to do next. Here are the steps to take to protect yourself and strengthen your case: 

• Call 911: Always report the accident, even if it seems minor. 
• Document Everything: Take photos of the damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. The more details, the better. Ensure they’re easily accessible for when you will fill out your MV-104 form. 
• Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s contact and insurance details. Don’t forget to grab witness info if anyone saw what happened. 
• See a Doctor: Some injuries don’t show up right away until you have the most important diagnostic test in a personal injury case. Getting checked out early can save you a lot of trouble later. 
• Contact Your Insurance: Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as you can. 

The city has its quirks, especially in winter. If snow or ice played a role in the accident, be sure to note that. And if you’re in a busy tourist area like the Old Port, witnesses might be key to backing up your story. 

Let Horn Wright, LLP Help You Take Control 

After a vehicle collision, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries, bills, and insurance companies that don’t always have your best interests at heart. We get it.  

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve helped individuals and families across Rochester get through tough times like this. We fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you need to move forward. You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.