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Tailgating - Too Close for Motorcycle Safety

March 3, 2022 | Category: Motorcycle Accidents | Share

A tailgater is a motorcyclist’s nightmare. Imagine seeing a car or truck in your rearview mirror, right on your tail. You may feel nervous or threatened. It is dangerous, especially since you do not know what the tailgater will do, and you have very little protection if you are in an accident.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies tailgating as an aggressive driving practice that can cause serious or fatal accidents.

What can you do if you are on a motorcycle and are being tailgated?

Bikerdigital.com says there are 6 things you can do if you are in this situation that includes:

1.      Gently slow down your bike – This needs to be done at the right pace so the vehicle behind you knows you are slowing down.

2.      Flash your brake light – This will signal the tailgater that you want to slow down and/or change lanes.

3.      Change lanes – If it is safe to do so, turn on your signals to indicate you are changing lanes.

4.      Turn off the road – Signal and turn into a street or parking lot.

5.      Avoid the use of hands for gestures – Keep your hands on the handlebar at all times.

6.      Let the tailgater pass – Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.

Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorney says motorists who cause motorcycle tailgate accidents should be held accountable.

Tailgating is illegal in Florida. If you or a loved one is injured, or tragically killed, because of another driver’s negligence when driving aggressively, the aggressive driver may be legally liable. His or her negligence needs to be proven by the injured motorcycle accident victim (the plaintiff) to succeed in a legal personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. By Florida law, the tailgater (the defendant) is negligent if he or she breached a duty of reasonable care causing the plaintiff’s injury or death.   

The plaintiff may seek compensation for past and future medical costs, loss of income or earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Families, and those who financially depend upon the plaintiff for support, may file a wrongful death lawsuit if they lost their loved one because of the accident. Compensation for wrongful death may also be sought for burial, funeral costs, and loss of support.

Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorney says, “Don’t go it alone.”

It is important that motorcycle accident victims, and their families, select Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. following a motorcycle accident and immediately after seeking medical attention. We have the experience, personal attention, and focus, along with being board certified in civil trial law by the Florida Bar. For more information on how to select a personal injury attorney, please go to, “Spivey Law Frequently Asked Questions.

We have obtained over $219,000,000 in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Here are what a couple of our clients have said about working with us:

  • The Spivey Law Firm is the best of the best. Mr. Spivey is an outstanding attorney! We were lucky to have him represent us. He is honest, knowledgeable and an outstanding negotiator. His staff is amazing! It was comforting to know that Mr. Spivey, himself, was handling our case from the beginning to the end. We could not have asked for a better experience. RICHARD 
  • Professional polite and they get the job done. If you have or had a motorcycle, make sure that you have their phone number! MIKE S.

Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, please contact Attorney Randall Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839.

 

 

 

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