If you were riding down the road and a car hit you while changing lanes, you are probably wondering what to do. You might be able to recoup compensation for your losses by pursuing a personal injury claim. Make sure you call the police and an accident report is filed.
It is imperative to make sure the crash is properly investigated and that you maintain all documentation to support your claim. Also, use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles if possible.
How Fault Is Determined
Usually, the car that is changing lanes or merging is to fault for the crash. But, that is not always the case. Several things are considered, such as where the vehicles were located, the severity of the damage, the speed of the vehicles, and so forth. When a vehicle is changing lanes, the driver must check to make sure there is enough space to move over into the lane without hitting other cars. However, if one of the vehicles is exceeding the speed limit significantly, it might be hard to determine if it is safe to maneuver over and a crash might occur.
If a car hit you while changing lanes, one of the most common ways in which the car changing lanes is at fault is if the driver the vehicle changing failed to check the vehicle's blindspots.
Mirrors in most vehicles have blindspots, so if a driver fails to check their blindspots before changing lanes and hits another vehicle, they could be deemed liable to damages to the other car or to any injuries to anyone else in the other car.
Other common ways in which the car changing lanes is at fault is if the driver changing lanes was distracted, or under the influence of a controlled substance such as alcohol or drugs. If a car hit you while changing lanes, you may be able to receive damages that resulted from the accident.
Damages That Might Result
When cars hit while changing lanes, there are a variety of damages that can result. There will be property damage to the vehicle and there will be medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and there could be mental trauma, permanent scarring, and other damages.
A personal injury attorney can help you determine which damages you suffered and how to come up with the value of your claim. Dealing with auto insurance companies can be challenging, so make sure you have a personal injury attorney working for you throughout the process.
Injuries That Could Result If a Car Hit You While Changing Lanes
An accident that occurs during merging or when cars are changing lanes can lead to serious injuries. Depending on the speed of the cars, the point of impact, and other factors, serious injuries might result. Here are some common injuries from such accidents:
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Contusions
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, you should seek medical care right away. Some injuries are not evident until days or even weeks later.
Maintain Documentation to Support Your Claim
If you were hit while changing lanes, you need to maintain documentation to support your claim. Such documentation includes the accident report, medical records, medical bills, proof of missed work and lost wages, repair estimates, photos of the damages and injuries, and statements from any witnesses. Your attorney will use all these documents to support your case.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hit by a car while changing lanes, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page so you can get your case reviewed and learn the best way to proceed!
