Can a Truck Accident Be Caused by Tailgating?

When another vehicle travels too closely to another, that is known as tailgating. Can a truck accident be caused by tailgating? The answer is yes. When it comes to these accidents, the consequences of this behavior can be catastrophic due to the size, weight, and reduced maneuverability of trucks.

At Trucking Injury Law Group, we know that these accidents can leave behind substantial injuries and damages. Let’s look at how tailgating leads to crashes and how it can play a role in personal injury lawsuits.

How Tailgating Leads to Truck Accidents

When a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance between their vehicle and the one ahead, that practice is known as tailgating. In a typical passenger vehicle, this behavior can lead to an accident. For those that involve trucks, then the consequences can be more severe. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Facts, 70% of fatal two-vehicle crashes involved a large truck and a passenger vehicle in 2022. Unfortunately, the occupants of the smaller vehicles are more likely to be killed in these accidents.

Trucks are heavier and larger, and when they collide, it can result in a life-changing crash.

Tailgating can result in a wide range of types of accidents involving trucks. Each one of these incidents has the potential for severe injuries or fatalities.

Rear-End Collisions

When a truck follows another vehicle too closely, the likelihood of a rear-end collision increases. Many times, these incidents occur in heavy traffic or when a vehicle ahead stops suddenly. Since the truck is heavier and larger, the impact can cause serious damage, severe injuries, or fatalities.

Underride Accidents

In some cases, a smaller vehicle may tailgate a truck. If the truck suddenly stops, the smaller vehicle can become lodged underneath the truck’s trailer. These underride accidents are often fatal. Unfortunately, in these cases, the top of the smaller vehicle may be sheared off during the collision.

Chain Reaction Crashes

Often, tailgating can also contribute to multi-vehicle accidents, especially in congested areas. If a truck rear-ends a vehicle, the force of the collision can push the lead vehicle into others. As a result, that can create a chain reaction and pile up on the road. These crashes leave behind multiple injuries and extensive property damage.

Common Causes of Tailgating in Trucking

Why do these accidents happen? Well, tailgating by truck drivers is often due to several factors, including: 

• Tight schedules: Commercial truck drivers often work under strict deadlines. Sometimes, that can lead to aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating to maintain speed and meet delivery times.
• Driver fatigue: Tired drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. These drivers might not mean to tailgate, but they end up unintentionally tailgating due to their sleepiness.
• Inexperience: Less experienced truck drivers may misjudge the safe following distance required for their vehicles.
• Traffic congestion: Heavy traffic can lead to impatience. In turn, that can result in extremely close following distances as drivers attempt to keep up with the flow of traffic.

Why Is Tailgating Dangerous?

There are several reasons why these accidents can occur. First, when someone is tailgating, it can dramatically reduce the time a driver has to react to sudden changes in traffic. So, when the lead vehicle stops abruptly, a trailing vehicle may be unable to stop in time. In turn, that can result in a rear-end collision.

Along with that, stopping distance is another concern. Fully loaded trucks require more distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles. In those cases, if the vehicle ahead slows down suddenly, then the other vehicle can collide into it.

Don’t forget that trucks have larger blind spots, known as “no-zones.” Any vehicles in these spaces obscure the view of vehicles directly in front or behind. If a truck tailgates another vehicle, the driver may not have a clear view of traffic patterns or hazards ahead. Under those circumstances, can result in an accident.

Tailgating is a hazardous behavior, and many times, it can lead to devastating truck accidents. The size and weight of trucks amplify the consequences. Everyone on the road must share responsibility for maintaining safety, following distances and adhering to traffic laws. When they don’t, it can leave the parties open for litigation.

The Liability of Truck Tailgating

In accidents with tailgating, liability focuses on proving negligence. A truck driver or trucking company may be held responsible if their actions contributed to the crash. Your legal claim could be based on these factors:

Failure to Maintain a Safe Following Distance

There are laws in many jurisdictions that mandate specific following distances for trucks. When a truck driver violates them, then that can be a form of negligence.

Driver Fatigue or Distraction

If there is evidence of non-compliance with hours-of-service regulations or distractions, such as cell phones, your legal team might use that to strengthen a case against the truck driver.

Negligent Hiring or Training

If the trucking company failed to properly train its drivers or knowingly hired individuals with poor driving records, they could share liability in the accident.

If any of these issues were a factor in your case, you may be able to file a claim to seek compensation. A Portland truck accident lawyer can help you explore your options.