Merging accidents are more common than you think. At one time or another, all vehicles must switch lanes or enter another roadway by merging. When merging, a signal must be used, and the driver must take special precautions to avoid a collision. Just one misstep could lead to an accident.
However, if the merging accident involved a semi-truck, there was much more likely to be severe damage and possibly even serious injuries. Pursuing a claim against a commercial operation with a semi-truck is not the same as pursuing a personal injury claim following two passenger vehicles colliding.
How Merging Works
When merging lanes, a driver must signal that he or she plans to enter traffic. Vehicles with the right of way as well as those merging should watch for the other vehicle. Through traffic does not have to slow down or move over to let traffic in, but they should not speed up to keep merging traffic out.
Merging cars should make sure there is enough space before cutting into traffic, so they should double check their vehicle’s blind spot. Of course, a semi takes up much more room than a traditional vehicle, so truck drivers must be more careful when judging space.
Damages From Merging
A merging accident could be a sideswipe with minor damage, or it could be a sideswipe that causes a vehicle to lose control and run off the roadway or strike another vehicle.
Either way, a merging accident with a semi-truck could lead to major property damages, serious injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent scarring and disfigurement, permanent or long-term disabilities, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and much more.
You can pursue a personal injury claim against the trucking company to recoup compensation for your damages. However, the process works differently with a semi-truck company because the trucking industry has different regulations that will come into play with determining liability and has different insurance, which offers high coverage limits than a traditional motor vehicle policy.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injuries or damages in a merging accident with a semi-truck, you should consult with a personal injury attorney.
Dealing with insurance companies are always challenging but dealing with the insurer for a commercial entity can be even more difficult. You want to make sure you have all your details in order and your evidence in place, so your odds of a successful claim improve significantly.
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. The lawyer will not be paid until you receive compensation for your damages through a settlement or a judgment.
To get your claim on the right track, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your details shared with a lawyer in your area who can help you determine the best way to proceed with your personal injury claim after a merging accident in which you were hit by a semi-truck.
