Tailgating Car Accidents in San Diego

It’s important to maintain a safe distance between your car and another vehicle when you’re driving in San Diego. If the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly or there’s a sudden obstruction in the road, you’ll want to ensure you have adequate space to stop safely. However, many drivers are in a rush, distracted, or aggressive at the wheel, and they choose to tailgate.

Tailgating involves following another vehicle too closely, which prevents the driver from having enough time to make split-second decisions or stop their vehicle before hitting the car in front of them.

Every year, about three percent of San Diego’s car accidents are caused by motorists who follow other vehicles too closely. In 2023, tailgating contributed to 168 auto accidents across the city. Like most rear-end collisions, tailgating accidents tend to have low fatality rates. No deaths were reported in San Diego’s tailgating accidents in 2023, but 192 people were injured, including at least 29 people who suffered severe to serious trauma.

How Can I Know If I’m Tailgating?

Drivers are encouraged to follow a “three-second” rule when following other vehicles. Essentially, drivers pick an object on the road, identify when the vehicle in front of them passes it, and then see how long it takes them to pass that same marker.

If the timing is three seconds or more, there’s enough space between the vehicles. If the timing is less than three seconds, the rear driver is too close to the vehicle in front of them.

There are times when a three-second gap isn’t enough, including when:

• It’s raining, or the road surface is slick or wet
• You’re driving a large truck or a commercial vehicle
• It’s difficult to see because of fog or other weather conditions
• You’re speeding, distracted, or under the influence

The faster you travel, the longer it will take for your vehicle to come to a complete stop. 

At the end of the day, whether a driver is tailgating or not is subjective. It will depend on the specific circumstances of each individual case. 

You Deserve to Be Compensated If You’ve Been Injured in a Tailgating Car Accident in San Diego

Some drivers might tailgate because they’re in a rush. Others might not notice they’re following too closely because they’re distracted. Regardless of why a driver tailgates, it’s important that they’re held fully responsible when they cause a car accident in San Diego. 

Singleton Schreiber can help you file a legal claim against the tailgating driver (and their insurance company) to help you recover compensation for your crash-related injuries, costs, and suffering. Our San Diego accident lawyers are fearless advocates with decades of legal experience who’ve helped clients win billions in monetary awards.

Find out how we can help you make things right after your tailgating accident, too. Call our San Diego, CA, law office to set a time for a free consultation now. Members of our legal team are always standing by to help.