Merging accidents are some of the worst highway accidents when they take place on highways like I-10. This is partly because interstates are busy, fast highways and when a vehicle is either merging into traffic from another highway or is overtaking and merging into another lane on I-10 a wrong move is likely to cause a devastating accident.
An accident involving fast moving vehicles may typically cause life-changing injuries. This could mean months may be needed to fully recover. In Louisiana, if you have been seriously injured in an accident on I-10 you may be able to recover compensation from the driver who caused the accident. It’s important though to talk to a personal injury lawyer before beginning the process.
Interstate-10 in Louisiana
Interstate-10 is a transcontinental interstate highway that spreads its wings for more than 274 miles across Louisiana. It runs close to Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge then it works its way south of Lake Pontchartrain to the New Orleans metro area before exiting the state.
From Texas to Lafayette it parallels the old U.S. Route 90 corridor and then it heads east-northeast to Baton Rouge via the Atchafalaya Swamp Freeway. It crosses the Atchafalaya River by way of an 18 mile bridge.
What to Do If Hit While Merging On I-10
First of all, you need to know the personal injury laws that are relevant to your case. Louisiana does have a deadline called the "statute of limitations," which limits the amount of time you are allowed to file your claim. The deadline is quite short, typically only allowing you 12 months from the date of the accident in the majority of cases. If you miss this deadline your chances of winning any compensation is markedly reduced giving you little chance of escaping the financial hardship caused by the accident.
A comparative fault law is also in force in Louisiana, so if the court decides you are partly to blame for your injuries the percentage of your blame will be used to reduce your compensation payment.
Evidence to Gather If Hit While Merging On I-10
One of the most important parts of any successful personal injury claim in a merging accident is the evidence provided to support the claim. The court will scrutinize the following bits of evidence before deciding if a claim is valid:
- witnesses’ reports;
- police reports;
- photographs taken at the accident scene;
- the treating physician’s report;
- any bills for medical treatment;
- wages loss assessment for time taken off work.
The evidence should indicate who or what caused the accident and what length of time it will take to recover.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Before you even think of starting the claim’s process for your personal injuries you should have a reliable personal injury lawyer helping you to put together and effective and persuasive claim with all the evidence close at hand.
If you don’t do this the chances of getting the personal injury claim you deserve is minimized but a dedicated attorney can help you get the best claim which suits the financial hardship you have had to endure due to the accident.
