Tailgating Accident Lawyer in New Orleans

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Best New Orleans Tailgating Accident Lawyers Near Me

Free Consultation for Following to Closely Accident Cases Near Metairie

A driver riding your bumper on I-10 near the Superdome gives you no room and no warning. When traffic stops short and they do not, the crash lands on you. Neck injuries, back injuries, concussions, and months of missed work often follow.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we have helped thousands of injured people across Orleans and Jefferson Parishes get back on their feet. Our lawyers take on following too closely claims statewide, from Uptown to Kenner. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every case is different.

With 230+ Million dollar verdicts and settlements, our team brings substantial experience to investigating and pursuing these claims, with no upfront attorney fees.

Types of Tailgating Accident Injuries Our New Orleans Lawyers Handle

When a driver follows too closely, there may be little time or distance to avoid a collision when traffic suddenly stops. That is why rear-end injuries hit the neck, back, and head hardest, and why the pain often peaks days after the wreck instead of at the scene.

Here are the injuries we see most often:

New Orleans Tailgating Accident Statistics

Rear-end wrecks pile up on crowded roads like Claiborne Avenue and Airline Drive, and the statewide numbers show the damage they leave behind. Our car accident attorneys in New Orleans use this kind of data to push back when an insurer calls your crash minor.

146,189

crashes reported across Louisiana in 2024

753

people killed in 706 fatal crashes

3,456

suspected serious injuries

How New Orleans Tailgating Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case

From your first phone call to the final settlement or verdict, we manage every step of your claim. That includes rear-end wrecks caused by 18-wheelers and delivery vans, which our New Orleans truck accident lawyers handle under stricter federal rules. Once you hire us, we get to work:

  • Investigating the scene and tracking down traffic camera footage
  • Gathering the police report and your medical records
  • Interviewing witnesses and reviewing vehicle data
  • Handling every call from the insurance company
  • Filing suit in Orleans Parish Civil District Court or the 24th JDC in Gretna if needed

You focus on healing. We will handle the rest. And if we have to take it to trial, we’re ready to go the distance.

Louisiana Law Prohibits Following Too Closely

Louisiana Revised Statute 32:81 requires drivers to maintain a following distance that is reasonable and prudent based on factors including the speed of the vehicle ahead, traffic, and highway conditions. The statute does not establish one fixed distance that applies to every driving situation.

 

In a rear-end collision, evidence that a driver was following too closely may be relevant when evaluating whether that driver acted reasonably. Crash evidence can include vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness statements, photographs, traffic-camera footage, and other available evidence.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If a tailgating driver caused your injuries, you may be owed far more than the first offer on the table. Our goal is the full value of your claim, not a quick check. Bringing in our personal injury team serving Orleans Parish costs you nothing up front. You may recover:

  • Medical bills, past and future
  • Lost wages and reduced earning ability
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Vehicle repairs and other property damage
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Tailgating Accident Lawyer in New Orleans 2

Understanding New Orleans Tailgating Accident Laws

Louisiana calls its filing deadline the prescriptive period, and it changed recently. The fault rules changed too, which makes early evidence more valuable than ever. Here is what matters most for your case:

Louisiana Prescription Period for Tailgating Accident Claims:

  • Louisiana generally provides a two-year prescriptive period for delictual actions under Civil Code Article 3493.1. The period begins when the injury or damage is sustained, but the deadline applicable to a particular claim can depend on the circumstances and the date of the accident.

Comparative Fault:

Since January 1, 2026, Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault rule.

  • If you are 50% at fault or less, you still recover money, reduced by your share of the blame.
  • At 51% or more, you recover nothing.

Crashes before that date fall under the older rule, which allowed some recovery at any percentage of fault.

Minimum Insurance Requirements:

Louisiana generally requires minimum automobile liability coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Serious injuries can exceed minimum policy limits, so identifying all potentially applicable insurance coverage can be important.

Common Legal Challenges After a Tailgating Accident in New Orleans

Rear-end claims sound simple until the insurance company gets involved. Victims often run into:

  • Claims that you stopped short or your brake lights failed
  • Low offers that ignore future treatment
  • Crash reports that leave out key details
  • Drivers with no insurance or almost none
  • Medical bills piling up while the claim sits

With 679+ years of combined legal experience, our team knows how to investigate these issues and respond to disputed liability and damages.

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man-holding-back-in-car-from-accident

Mistakes to Avoid After a Tailgating Accident in New Orleans

Small missteps in the first few days can cost you thousands. Try to avoid these:

  • Telling the other driver the wreck was partly your fault
  • Waiting weeks to see a doctor
  • Posting photos or updates about the crash online
  • Giving the adjuster a recorded statement without a lawyer
  • Accepting the first settlement offer you hear

Already made one of these mistakes? Call us anyway. An attorney can review what has already happened and explain what options may remain available.

Contact a Tailgating Accident Attorney Near Kenner Today

Injured in an Accident? Find Legal Help Near You

Wherever your crash happened, the team at Gordon McKernan’s Greater New Orleans office is ready to help. We sit at 3900 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 300  in Metairie, minutes from Kenner and a short drive from downtown, and we appear regularly in Orleans and Jefferson Parish courts.

Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. That is the G Guarantee.

Do not let an adjuster decide what your recovery is worth. Call 888.501.7888 today. Get Gordon. Get It Done.

Don’t Wait — Talk to a New Orleans Tailgating Lawyer Today

At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand that emotional and physical recovery come hand and hand after an injury or accident. We also know that you may not have the energy or time to fight with an insurance company and the complexities of your personal injury claim.

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How It Works

Filing a claim with Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys is easy!
Simply follow the steps below.

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Get Your Free Consultation

Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not!

Hear From An Attorney

Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of winning your case! 

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Get It Done!

Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve. 

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Reg
11 October 2026
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I don’t know about other law firms but Gordon was good and my personal lawyer Devin perfect,,, he always answered,,always answered questions to full extent,, I drive a tow truck now and every wreck I go to I tell people go to Gordon and specifically ask for Devin,, I don’t know if you read these Mr Gordon but Devin at Lafayette office needs a raise and employee of the year he’s a good guy
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God First
9 October 2026
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"I can't say enough good things about Annabelle at Gordon McKernan. She took on my workers' comp case and fought for me every step of the way. She kept me updated, answered my questions, and made a stressful situation a lot easier to handle. Thanks to her hard work, we won my case. If you've been hurt on the job, I highly recommend her. Thank you, Annabelle!"
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sibell diaz
9 October 2026
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I had am awesome experience. Mrs.Claire Callier always kept me inform and fought for what I deserved . Thank you again
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Matt H
9 October 2026
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Very professional and friendly service!
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sandy chen
9 October 2026
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Excellent service. Don’t need to do anything, they take care everything.
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James Manuel
9 October 2026
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Ms Claire was excellent! She kept me in touch with everything that was going on at all times. If anything would happen in the future I would definitely want her as my lawyer. Thank you for everything.
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Nicole P. Engel
9 October 2026
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I had a very decent experience with Davis our attorney at the Baton Rouge office. He and his paralegal Ana did well with moving our case along. I even received a little more compensation than expected. Thanks Davis!
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Tanner Atchison
8 October 2026
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10/10 Experience. Very professional and well managed. Mr Thomas took care of all my needs as his client and treated me as more than just a client. He welcomed me to the Gordon family. Thank you so much for everything and always checking in on me and letting me know as the process was going.
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Jada Shepard
7 October 2026
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Mr. Antonio Finley was wonderful
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Shaquill Mack
7 October 2026
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My attorney was Jeff Watson I highly recommend him for all your vehicle wreck needs he made sure we was taken care of …always answer the phone and any questions we had …very helpful and professional! He went over and beyond to help us as much as he could !
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Tamie Harden
6 October 2026
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Ivy Perkins is amazing. She makes you feel like you’re her only client. After every appointment she’d always call to make sure I was ok.
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Ron Mills
6 October 2026
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My attorney was Antonio Finley out of the baton Rouge office he was handling a work comp case for me. He is a very knowledgeable and considerate person. he always had my best interest as his top of his priority from beginning till the end he would be my go to person if I ever needed someone with his skills. I recommend him to anyone
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Teylor Feliz
6 October 2026
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100% recomiendo a Holly Lamarche para casos de inmigracion y accidentes de vehiculos.
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Cheryl Picou
6 October 2026
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Gordon got it done!!! The service was exceptional. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and took care of everything. They were great.
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Ruben Turner
5 October 2026
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Mr. Jeff Watts is the fastest and most effective lawyer I have ever met. Plus his has the best attitude. He is sooo cool and laid back. I love Mr. Jeff, man, he is my dude. If I cut my finger I'm calling him. On this thing I can only give 5 stars but I really give him 30 Stars. Here are your other 25🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Thank you so much again
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Jessica Wesley
5 October 2026
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Absolutely WONDERFUL! The peace of mind that I got knowing I wasnt having to deal with everything alone was amazing, the communication from the firm and my attorney Tim was TOP FREAKIN TIER!!!
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Laura Betancourt
3 October 2026
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Very grateful to Claire Caillier for all of the assistance and guidance she gave our family.
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LaQuida Livingston
2 October 2026
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Ryan Thibodeaux is the man. Definitely recommend. Very professional and consistent. He is very knowledgeable. He gets the job done.
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Tiffany Smith
2 October 2026
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I highly recommend this law office to anyone who has been involved in a car accident. From the very beginning, they were there for me every step of the way and made a stressful situation so much easier to deal with.
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Julie Davis
2 October 2026
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The team at Gordon McKernan was great. Always quick to respond and willing to answer any question I might have.
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