When you merge from a ramp onto any highway or freeway it helps when drivers who are on the main highway shift over to the next lane so you are able to merge more easily into the traffic flow. As far as the law is concerned drivers who are entering the highway should realize that those already on it are not by law required to move over to let you in, as they have the right of way.
If you are entering a highway and a vehicle already on it accelerates to try and avoid you and it rear ends you causing both injuries to yourself, your passengers and damage to your car, you should contact a personal injury attorney to see if you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at fault driver.
What Is the Process for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
You can’t always assume that compensation is easy to get, as it requires sufficient evidence to prove that the accident wasn’t your fault. This means making sure witnesses are available who can report on who or what caused the accident. The police officer who attends the accident will write a report which you will need as part of your evidence.
You will have to ask your physician to write a medical report, describing your injuries, the treatment you are receiving and the likely recovery time. Once all the information is gathered together your attorney will file your claim with the insurer of the at fault driver.
You must however remember that you can’t leave filing the claim for too long as most states set a time limit called the statutes of limitation. This determines how much time you are given from the time of the accident to submit your personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer will know the statute of limitation in your state.
What Sorts of Injuries Take Place When Merging on to a Highway
If a vehicle on the highway rear ends you when you are merging, the injuries you may receive could depend on the speed of both you and the at fault driver. These could include severe neck injuries like whiplash, which is caused when you didn’t realize an accident was going to take place and you didn’t brace your body causing your neck moves backwards and forwards in a violent manner. You may even receive chest or back injuries when the airbag is released and your body makes contact with it.
Other injuries could be:
- broken limbs;
- back injuries;
- torso injuries;
- internal organ damage.
Will You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
There is a process to follow with any personal injury claim and the most important step is likely to be negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A personal injury lawyer will properly represent you and help you get the most compensation you are eligible to receive. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation for a free consultation with a lawyer.
