Following too closely, commonly known as tailgating, is a significant cause of rear-end collisions in West Lafayette, particularly along busy corridors like Sagamore Parkway and State Street near Purdue University. This dangerous driving behavior becomes especially hazardous during harsh Indiana winters and heavy traffic periods around major university events. Tailgating accidents often result in whiplash injuries, soft tissue damage, and potential long-term neck and back problems. When combined with distracted driving or adverse weather conditions, these crashes can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups. For victims, the impact extends beyond physical injuries to include medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. In personal injury claims, establishing liability in tailgating accidents often involves proving the following driver violated safe distance requirements, with factors such as speed, road conditions, and traffic patterns playing crucial roles in determining negligence.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana Code § 9-21-8-14 requires drivers to maintain a reasonable and prudent following distance, considering speed, traffic, and road conditions. In West Lafayette tailgating accidents, Indiana's modified comparative fault system applies, meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% responsible for the collision. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Indiana requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, though victims may also utilize their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient. An experienced West Lafayette personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

If you've been injured in a tailgating accident, click the links below to get help from an attorney who specializes in your type of accident including:

• West Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer;
• West Lafayette distracted driving accident law firm;
• West Lafayette rear-end accident law office;
• West Lafayette left turn accident attorney;
• West Lafayette hit-and-run accident lawyer;
• West Lafayette uninsured driver accident attorney;

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Tippecanoe County Superior Court
• Tippecanoe County Circuit Court
• West Lafayette City Court

Support Services:

• Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service
• West Lafayette Police Department Victim Services
• Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division

Legal References:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Regulations
• Tippecanoe County Traffic Safety Partnership Guidelines

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