When motor vehicle drivers get impatient or fail to pay attention to the road, they may put everyone else at risk with a dangerous act such as tailgating, or following others too closely. This is a common example of driver negligence that contributes to car accidents in Nevada. If you get injured in a rear-end collision caused by tailgating, learn your rights by consulting with a Las Vegas car accident attorney.
What Is Nevada’s Tailgating Law?
All states have traffic laws in place regarding following distance between vehicles. Drivers have a responsibility to follow these laws and safely operate their motor vehicles in a way that reasonably prevents auto accidents. Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.127 states: The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. This law does not give a specific distance at which one vehicle should follow another. Instead, it bases proper following distance on what a reasonable and prudent person would do to operate the vehicle safely based on the circumstances.
What Are the Penalties for Tailgating in Nevada?
Under state law, drivers in Nevada must leave enough room between the front of their vehicles and the backs of others to come to a sudden stop if the roadway situation changes; for example, if the leading driver comes to an abrupt stop. Failing to maintain a safe following distance is a misdemeanor moving violation in Nevada, which can be penalized with a fine, imprisonment or community service.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Collision in Nevada?
Tailgating is a dangerous practice that increases the risk of a car accident. The most common type of accident caused by tailgating is a rear-end collision, which can lead to injuries such as whiplash and concussions. After an accident caused by tailgating, the injured party may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver in pursuit of financial compensation. The rear driver is almost always found to be at fault for a tailgating accident or rear-end collision. It is the rear driver’s duty to maintain a safe and prudent following distance based on the traffic and weather conditions. Violating this duty of care by carelessly or recklessly following too closely can place liability for a subsequent car accident on the rear driver. However, there are exceptions to the rule. It is possible for the front driver to be held responsible for a rear-end collision if he or she contributed to the accident in some way, such as by brake-checking the rear driver or cutting another driver off. Having broken tail lights or brake lights could also place liability on the front driver for an accident.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Nevada Help You?
If you get involved in a car accident with a driver who was tailgating you, the other driver’s car insurance company may be held responsible for your medical bills and property repairs. However, the car insurance company might try to protect its profits by taking advantage of you during the claims process. The best way to protect yourself is by hiring an experienced Las Vegas injury lawyer to represent you. A lawyer can investigate the car accident and search for evidence of tailgating, such as the damage to both vehicles, witness statements, a police report and expert testimony. Your lawyer can handle the claims process and seek maximum financial compensation for you using aggressive negotiation techniques.