When a driver makes a poor decision concerning merging on a busy interstate like I-80, it could cause a serious injury to anyone who is hit in the process. Interstates are often at least 5 lanes in any one direction and most drivers are driving up to the permissible speed limit.
This means any poor judgement could cause a merging vehicle to crash into another vehicle already on the interstate. The speed the vehicles are moving typically determines the severity of the injuries.
If you are certain that the accident and injuries you received on I-80 were caused while a vehicle was merging you may be eligible to file a personal injury compensation claim. This type of compensation includes any medical expenses so that you can receive the best treatment available.
It also covers lost earnings while you have to remain at home to recuperate from the accident. You will, however need the help of a personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver who caused the merging accident.
Interstate I-80 in California
Interstate-80 is a major route running east to west, running between California and New Jersey. Its western end is located in San Francisco. From that point it heads in an easterly direction to Oakland across the Bay Bridge where it turns in a northerly direction and crosses the Carquinez Bridge.
I-80 then turns back to the northeast following the Sacramento Valley. It next crosses the Sierra Nevada at Donner Summit and then crosses into Nevada through the Truckee River Canyon. 65 mph is the speed limit is set along the route and not the usual 70 mph. Much of it is either mountainous or urban terrain.
What to Do If Hit While Merging On I-80
If a driver of a vehicle hits your car when merging on to I-80 and you are severely injured and your car is badly damaged, you can only recover damages if you have indisputable proof that proves who caused the merging accident.
California has a pure comparative negligence rule. This means it’s entirely possible to get some amount of compensation even if you were partly to blame for the accident. Typically, a decision will be made if you in any way contributed to the merging accident and your injuries.
The decision about who is to blame in a merging accident on I-80 is typically made by the police officers who have attended the merging accident scene. They compile a written report based on what they see and who or what is to be blamed. Your own personal injury attorney can play a role in helping to decide how much the other party to the accident was at fault.
Evidence to Gather If Hit While Merging On I-10
If you after considering the matter and you finally make the decision that’s it’s in your interest to file a personal injury claim after a merging accident, your chances of success will be greater if you have indisputable evidence at your fingertips that shows who or what caused the merging accident. This typically means you have to present evidence that shows exactly what happened and how you were injured. A recent physician’s report will help your case too.
You can support your evidence by providing photos that either you have taken or a witness or family member took of the scene of the merging accident. If your vehicle is towed to a vehicle-repairer, you need to keep the receipt of the payment for the repairs. Finally, make sure that you keep handy all medical reports and treatment costs, as this speeds up the calculations for compensation.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
You won’t be able to do without a personal injury attorney whose experience goes a long way to ensure you get the best personal injury claim that fits the financial hardship caused by the injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will negotiate with the at-fault drivers’ insurer to ensure you are justly compensated.
