Who is at Fault in an Accident During a Merge?
Merging accidents in Florida are common, and they are usually the fault of the merging driver.
The highways and interstates in Florida are notoriously congested, which can result in a number of different types of accidents. One of the most common types of crashes on these busy roads are merging accidents that occur when one driver merges into another lane without first checking to ensure the way is clear. As such, the merging driver is usually the one at fault during these accidents, although there are instances in which the opposite is true.
Common Causes of Merging Accidents
Accidents that occur during a merge can be caused by a number of different factors. The most common of these include:
- Speeding while merging
- Driving too slowly when merging
- Merging without using a turn signal
- Cutting off other vehicles while merging
- Crossing multiple lanes after merging
All of these are acts of negligence, and when a driver engages in them, that driver can be held accountable for any injuries that result from a subsequent crash.
Injuries and Other Losses in Merging Accidents
Merging accidents result in some of the worst injuries, and extensive property damage. The most common injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Multiple broken bones
- Knee injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
The property damage done to a vehicle will depend on the speed of both cars at the time of the crash. When a driver is merging onto a highway, the property damage is likely going to be quite extensive. When the vehicles are moving more slowly, the damage will likely not be as extensive, but windshields could still shatter, and the doors of the vehicle may even come off.
Proving Fault After a Merging Accident
In most circumstances, the driver who was merging is at fault when there is a merging accident. However, there are some instances in which this is not true. For example, if the other vehicle was speeding or driving erratically, there may have been no possible way for the merging driver to avoid the other vehicle.
Proving fault in a merging accident is difficult, particularly if the non-merging vehicle was to blame. Often, the only way to prove fault in these instances is if one vehicle had a dash cam or someone in the vehicle was recording the incident on their phone. In some cases, there may have been witnesses that saw the accident but due to the fact that these crashes happen so suddenly, that may not always be the case.
Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Case
If you have been involved in a merge accident and are now suffering from serious injuries, ourBoca Raton car accident lawyers at Ged Lawyers, LLP, are here to help. We know how to hold negligent drivers, and their insurance companies, accountable for paying full and fair compensation for your injuries so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at (844) 443-3529 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.