As car accident lawyers, we see a lot of merging accident cases. The damages are usually extensive, but it can be a tough call to sort out who is liable since the incident involved the judgment of two parties.
Causes
When it comes to merging into another lane, our car accident lawyers cannot stress enough the importance of defensive driving. Increased awareness can prevent a majority these kinds of accidents. Some common causes are:
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Not using signals
- Merging too slowly onto the highway
- Crossing multiple lanes at once
This kind of behavior, which may seem simple when on the road, can have lasting repercussions. Victims often come out of an incident with facial injuries, spinal cord injuries and even damage to their internal organs.
Liability
In most merging accident cases, liability lands on the driver who was merging. As car accident lawyers we’ve seen cases where there are exceptions. For example, if the other driver was speeding they may be at fault. It may also depend on whether the driver was merging in from the inside lane or the outside lane. Our Utah car accident lawyers can help you determine who is responsible.
Prevention
There are steps that you can take today to prevent being involved in a merging accident. Be sure to avoid tailgating and give yourself more room to stop in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly slows down. Also get in the habit of always using your turn signals. This is how you communicate to other drivers so they can anticipate the change in your driving pattern. Any abrupt movements can cause other drivers to make rash decisions. When you decide to merge, signal and merge gradually.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a merging accident, contact our car accident lawyers at Robert J. Debry and Associates. We can help you get the compensation that you need to recover. Visit our website to sign up for a free consultation.