Interstate-110 is a short, but very busy freeway in one of California’s most built up and congested cities. While negotiating I-110 and the adjoining Route 110, it will be necessary to concentrate all the time whenever you execute a merging maneuver, or pay attention to those who are merging around you.
Merging accidents are quite frequent on I-110. They may cause significant and serious injuries and these may not be your fault but due to another driver’s poor judgment. Discuss your legal options with a personal injury attorney following an injury caused by a merging accident in California.
Interstate-110 in California
I-110 is a section of freeway that connects San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles with the city of Los Angeles and then becomes Route 110 as it proceeds on to Pasadena. The entire length of the highway is only 32 miles from San Pedro to Pasadena, but this belies the amount of traffic that uses the two joined stretches of road. I-110 lies in the same path as the Western U.S.’s first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway.
Despite the use of the Harbor Transitway, a separated path for buses and other high occupancy vehicles in the median of I-110, the section of the highway closes to Los Angeles is notoriously congested, with traffic slowed to a crawl or a standstill at times. It is in peak hours, when some motorists become frustrated with their commute that merging accidents are likely to be more evident.
What To Do If Hit While Merging On I-110
Injuries after a merging accident on I-110 or Route 110 in California may mean that a personal injury claim is advisable. California has a pure comparative negligence rule which means that compensation is calculated according to the percentage fault between plaintiff and defendant.
If you do decide to sue the other driver after an accident, the driver’s insurer will assess whether you were also at fault. This is where evidence of negligence is important and why the legal advice and help from an experienced personal injury attorney can really make a difference.
Evidence to Gather If Hit While Merging On I-110
As evidence is crucial to support a personal injury claim, you are advised to make sure that documentation and other proof of negligence is as complete as possible. Witness statements, the police crash report, photos of the damage done to your vehicle and medical reports and bills are all typical evidence that can help to establish your claim is valid.
If your injuries are on-going or likely to be permanent disabilities or disfigurements, a realistic estimate of how this is going to affect you financially must be obtained.
Hire An Attorney
A merging accident on I-110 can mean serious financial repercussions unless you obtain fair settlement of damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide initial advice to help establish whether your claim is likely to succeed as well as negotiating strength once the claim has been filed.
