Tailgating remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviors on Phoenix roadways, particularly during rush hour congestion on major arteries like I-17 and Loop 101. When drivers fail to maintain safe following distances, their reduced reaction time can lead to devastating rear-end collisions, especially during sudden stops or emergencies. The consequences of these crashes often extend beyond immediate vehicle damage, resulting in serious injuries such as whiplash, spinal trauma, and traumatic brain injuries. The risk increases substantially during Phoenix's monsoon season when wet roads require greater stopping distances, or during dust storms that can suddenly reduce visibility. For victims of tailgating accidents, personal injury claims may provide a path to recover damages for medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other accident-related expenses. Establishing liability often involves demonstrating how the following driver failed to maintain appropriate distance and reaction time for existing traffic conditions.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-730(A), drivers must maintain a "reasonable and prudent" following distance, considering factors like speed, traffic, and road conditions. Arizona's pure comparative negligence system allows injured parties to seek compensation even if partially at fault, though recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Claims must be filed within Arizona's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Insurance coverage plays a crucial role, with Arizona requiring minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Victims may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Commercial vehicle accidents involving tailgating may invoke additional federal regulations and insurance requirements. An experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Click the links below to get information on legal claims from attorneys with experience in your type of car crash or injury including:

• Phoenix DUI driving crash lawyer
• Phoenix distracted driving crash attorney
• Phoenix rear-end accident lawyer
• Phoenix uninsured driver accident attorney
• Phoenix spinal cord injury attorney
• Phoenix brain injury lawyer
• Phoenix whiplash injury attorney

Related Resources:

Maricopa County Superior Court 201 W. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85003

Support Services:

• Maricopa County Attorney's Office Victim Services Division
• Arizona Association for Justice
• Banner Health Trauma Centers

Official References:

• Arizona Department of Public Safety: Traffic Safety Guidelines
• Arizona Motor Vehicle Division: Driver License Manual
• Arizona Supreme Court: Rules of Civil Procedure

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