Making the decision to merge on to an exceptionally busy interstate like I-15 is never a simple matter. A simple error of judgment could end up with a serious merging accident. The most common place for a merging accident to occur is when entering an interstate from another, usually slower, road.
Injuries are known to be serious in a merging accident because the traffic is typically moving at the maximum allowable speed. If you are sure that the injuries you received in a merging accident took place because of the negligence of another road user, you may find you match the criteria for being eligible for personal injury compensation.
This will include the cost of medical treatment and any lost earnings while you are recovering from the accident. You will need the help of a personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Interstate I-15 in California
Interstate-15, or I-15, is a key north to south state highway in California, connecting the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego. The route is part of the southernmost 289.24 miles of I-15, which is a major highway that extends in a northerly direction through the states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Montana to the Canadian–US border. It is an important through road for traffic moving between San Diego to the Inland Empire, and between Southern California, Las Vegas, NV, and further.
What to Do If Hit While Merging On I-15
If a driver hits your automobile while he or she is merging with traffic on I-15 this could cause you to be inflicted with serious injuries as well as extensive damage to your motor vehicle. You might have little chance of being awarded any compensation unless your evidence for who caused the merging accident cannot be disputed.
California has what is commonly referred to as a pure comparative negligence rule. This means if you are partly to blame for the accident you may still be eligible for some compensation. A decision will be made which will confirm how much you were to blame, or if you are to blame at all.
If the accident is serious police officers will be sent to the merging accident scene to record the details of the accident and decide who or what caused it. Your personal injury lawyer may also make a decision on how much the other party was at fault.
Evidence to Gather If Hit While Merging On I-15 (CA)
If you have made a decision to file a personal injury claim after a merging accident, you will raise your chances of success if the evidence you gather together is convincing and shows exactly who or what caused the merging accident. You should also support your claim with a detailed medical report, which outlines the nature of your injuries and supports your claim.
Other key evidence could include photos taken at the accident scene and any witnesses’ written statements as well as their contact details. If your vehicle has been repaired you will need to provide a receipt for repairs.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney will have accumulated years of experience in winning personal injury claims for clients. The one you choose to represent you can guide you through this often hard process which will include negotiating on your behalf with the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. Often, insurers resist making any payments and may need to be convinced by an experienced personal injury attorney for a merging accident on I-15 in California.
