Motorcyclists face unique hazards on Louisiana roads, and tailgating in a motor vehicle is one of the most dangerous situations riders encounter. When drivers follow too closely behind motorcycles, they create a deadly scenario that often leads to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Unlike passenger vehicles, which have protective frames, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcyclists have minimal protection against impact. The resulting accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and significant lifestyle changes.
At The Thibeaux Firm, we understand the devastating impact these accidents have on every area of your life. Our caring team works tirelessly to help injured motorcyclists receive the full compensation they deserve after a tailgating accident. Contact our Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Is Tailgating and Why Is It So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another vehicle without maintaining a safe following distance—typically less than the recommended three-second (plus) gap. This practice creates an exceptionally hazardous situation for motorcyclists for several reasons:
- Reduced reaction time: When drivers follow too closely, they have less time to react if a motorcyclist needs to slow down or stop suddenly.
- Intimidation factor: Tailgating often causes anxiety for motorcyclists, potentially leading to erratic driving as they try to escape the threatening situation and the possibility of a car accident.
- Vulnerability to impact: Without the protection of a vehicle cabin, even a low-speed rear-end collision can eject a rider from their motorcycle.
Motorcycles’ smaller profile often makes them harder to see, and many drivers misjudge the appropriate following distance. When a vehicle weighing several thousand pounds strikes a motorcycle from behind, motorcycle riders may suffer serious injuries.
Is Tailgating Considered Aggressive Driving in Louisiana?
Is tailgating aggressive driving? Yes. Louisiana classifies tailgating as a form of aggressive driving and considers it a traffic violation. The law requires drivers to maintain a “reasonable and prudent” distance from the vehicle ahead.
When tailgating involves deliberate intimidation or harassment of a motorcyclist, it may also be classified as road rage, which carries more severe penalties. Law enforcement in Louisiana takes these violations seriously because they have the potential to cause severe accidents. Additionally, such forms of aggressive or reckless driving may open the door for injured victims to seek punitive damages.
Proving that tailgating occurred in your motorcycle crash requires gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports documenting following distance
- Witness statements from other drivers or passengers
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts, including a skid mark analysis
- Cell phone records showing distracted driving
At The Thibeaux Firm, our hardworking legal team can meticulously recover evidence to build a strong case demonstrating how the tailgating driver violated Louisiana law and caused your injuries.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Tailgating
Motorcycle tailgating accidents typically result in severe injuries due to the exposed nature of riding. Common accident scenarios include:
- Rear-end collisions: This type of accident is the most direct result of tailgating, occurring when the following vehicle strikes the motorcycle from behind.
- Forced emergency maneuvers: When motorcyclists attempt evasive actions to avoid being hit by a tailgater, they may crash into other vehicles or obstacles.
- Loss of control: The anxiety and pressure of being tailgated can cause a rider to lose control of their motorcycle.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: A Lafayette tailgating accident may trigger a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
These tailgating accidents frequently result in the following types of severe injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain trauma.
- Spinal cord damage: Impact from behind can cause devastating spinal injuries, including paralysis.
- Road rash and soft tissue damage: When thrown from their bikes, riders often suffer severe skin abrasions.
- Broken bones: Injuries sustained by motorcycle riders often include fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones.
- Internal injuries: High-impact collisions can damage vital organs and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
If you were injured in a serious accident, seek immediate medical treatment. Then, contact an experienced attorney who can discuss your legal options during a free legal consultation.
Your Legal Rights Under Motorcycle Laws in Louisiana
As a motorcyclist in Louisiana, you have specific protected rights under state law. Motorcycle laws in Louisiana establish clear rules that all drivers must follow to ensure rider safety, including maintaining safe following distances.
Under Louisiana’s comparative fault system, you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. This makes having skilled legal representation crucial, as insurers often attempt to assign motorcyclists a greater degree of fault than they deserve.
Louisiana law allows injury victims to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The Thibeaux Firm’s understanding approach means that we consider all aspects of how your injuries have affected your life when calculating the true value of your claim.
Why Choose The Thibeaux Firm for Your Tailgating Motorcycle Accident Case?
When you need a Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer after being injured by a tailgating driver, The Thibeaux Firm offers exceptional legal representation with several key advantages:
- Local knowledge: As Hub City residents ourselves, we know Lafayette’s roads, traffic patterns, and common accident locations.
- Personalized attention: Attorney Omar Thibeaux works directly with clients, ensuring your case receives the full attention it deserves.
- Proven results: Our firm has successfully recovered substantial compensation for motorcycle accident victims throughout Louisiana.
- Trial-ready approach: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often results in higher settlement offers.
- The 25% Attorney advantage: While many Lafayette personal injury attorneys take 33 to 45 percent of your settlement, Attorney Thibeaux charges just 25 percent, putting more money in your pocket when you need it most.
Our respectful team recognizes the many complex challenges you face after a motorcycle accident. We handle all aspects of your legal case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
Don’t let tailgating driving rob you of your health, livelihood, and peace of mind. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll fight tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. Call us today or visit our Lafayette office to get started on your road to recovery.