If you are traveling on a road with multiple lanes headed in the same direction, you will eventually have to merge from one lane to another. When vehicles are merging, the driver must properly signal, check their blind spot to ensure no other vehicle is there, and find the right time to merge into traffic without hitting another vehicle.
Vehicles should not speed up to keep another car from merging. Unfortunately, merging accidents are common. If you have been in a merging accident, you have suffered various damages of both an economic and non-economic nature. You might be able to recoup compensation for your losses by pursuing a personal injury claim against the other party.
What Should Be Done At the Accident Scene
Stay on the scene of the merging accident to ensure proper protocol are followed and you have evidence to support your claim. Here are some tips regarding what to do at the accident scene:
- Call the police. The officer will conduct a preliminary investigation at the scene and complete an accident report. You will need to get a copy of the finished accident report. The officer will tell you how you can do this.
- Take photos of the crash scene. You can use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles. This can be very beneficial during a personal injury claim.
- Get the names of any witnesses and their contact details. Ask them to provide you with written statements detailing what they saw.
- Get the contact information and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
What Should Be Done After a Merging Accident
There are several things that you will need to do after leaving the accident scene. Here are some of those things you can do to keep your claim on track:
- Seek medical care. Even injuries that don’t seem serious can be worse than they appear. Be sure to establish medical care right away.
- Call your auto insurance carrier and inform them of the accident. They will need a copy of the accident report as well.
- Document any missed work and lost wages. Maintain proof of these financial losses.
- Get a written estimate from an auto repair shop for fixing the damage to your vehicle.
- Get prints of photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. These can help back up your claim and show your damages as well.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been in a merging accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling auto accident injury claims. Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose.
Your lawyer will not be compensated until you get a settlement or judgment for your damages. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so a lawyer who is licensed in your state can review the details of your case and determine the best way for you to proceed.
