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Tailgating may seem like a minor driving mistake, but following another vehicle too closely is one of the leading causes of serious rear-end collisions throughout Westchester County and New York City. Whether you’re traveling on I-287, the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, the Saw Mill River Parkway, the Cross Bronx Expressway, or local roads in White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, tailgating can turn an ordinary commute into a life-changing crash.
For many drivers, rear-end accidents happen in a matter of seconds. Heavy traffic, aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding, and sudden stops all increase the risk. Unfortunately, the injuries resulting from these crashes can be severe, leaving victims facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain.
Why Following Too Closely Is So Dangerous
Every driver needs adequate space to react to changing traffic conditions. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, they significantly reduce their ability to stop safely if traffic slows or comes to a halt.
Common situations that lead to tailgating accidents include:
- Stop-and-go traffic on crowded highways
- Distracted driving caused by cell phones
- Speeding and aggressive driving behavior
- Poor weather conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Sudden traffic congestion
- Construction zones and lane closures
Even at relatively low speeds, rear-end crashes can cause significant injuries. At highway speeds, the consequences can be devastating.
Common Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Victims of tailgating accidents often suffer injuries that require extensive medical treatment. These injuries may include:
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Chronic pain conditions
Many people assume a rear-end collision is a “minor accident.” In reality, serious spinal injuries and neurological damage frequently occur, even when vehicle damage appears limited.
Determining Liability in a Tailgating Accident
Under New York law, drivers have a responsibility to maintain a safe following distance. In many rear-end accident cases, the trailing driver is presumed to be at fault because they failed to leave enough room to stop safely.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize injuries or shift blame onto victims. This is why it is critical to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
Evidence that may help establish liability includes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Traffic camera recordings
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Cell phone records
What To Do After a Rear-End Collision
If you have been injured in a rear-end accident in White Plains, Yonkers, Westchester County, or anywhere in NYC, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact law enforcement and obtain a police report.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
- Gather witness information.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger your case may be.
Why Injury Victims Turn to Norman Gershon
For more than 35 years, Norman Gershon has fought for injury victims throughout Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the greater New York metropolitan area. Known as the lawyer other attorneys call to try their toughest cases, he has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients.
Notable motor vehicle results include:
- $16.5 million verdict for a passenger injured in a collision with a bus
- $14.5 million settlement in a serious bus accident case
- $5.445 million verdict in a motor vehicle accident involving cervical and lumbar fusions
- $5.068 million verdict in a motor vehicle sideswipe collision
- $3.75 million verdict in a motor vehicle accident involving lumbar fusion
- $3 million verdict in a motor vehicle accident involving spinal injuries
- $2.5 million verdict in a Westchester County intersection crash
These results reflect a commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for accident victims when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements.
What Clients Say
One client described Norman as:
“Smart, experienced, compassionate, tough… You owe it to yourself to have him assess your situation if you want a superior result.”
Another client stated:
“Norman worked his magic and got me a bigger settlement than I expected.”
Many clients praise not only his courtroom skills but also his dedication, responsiveness, and willingness to fight for the best possible outcome.
Injured in a Rear-End Accident? Know Your Rights
A rear-end collision caused by a driver following too closely can leave victims with serious injuries and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured in a tailgating accident in Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, or elsewhere in New York, it is important to understand your legal rights.
An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
With over 35 years of trial experience and a reputation as the attorney other lawyers call to handle difficult cases, Norman Gershon continues to fight for injured New Yorkers when they need it most.
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