Merging accidents are extremely common on busy highways. Their severity depends on where the accident takes place, the relative sizes of the two vehicles involved and the speed they are traveling at the time. When the merging accident happens in slow moving city traffic, the accident may only result in a scratch or dent on the sides of both vehicles. On the other hand, if the accident happens on a stretch of fast moving highway or interstate, then there is the prospect of serious injuries taking place. Typically, it is the merging driver who is at fault. The reason may be fatigue, distractions, alcohol, drugs or overconfident, arrogant driving.
As long as the injured accident victim can prove who was at fault, then there are good grounds for filing a personal injury claim. Injuries such as rotator cuff tears can be expensive to treat and this burden should be borne by the at-fault driver and not the person who was hit.
The Cost of a Rotator Cuff Tear Injury After a Merging Accident
Rotator cuff tear injuries are common injuries that can take place when a severe jolt throws someone in a vehicle to one side, forwards or backwards. It would be unusual for these injuries to occur alone and normally there would be other injuries to deal with as well. Treatment involves hospital attention, x-rays, possible soft tissue scans, painkillers and a course of antibiotics. The injured person would normally need to return for checking to see the progress of the injury several times depending on how serious it was in the first place.
The full cost of such an injury could be anywhere from as little as $500 to $1,500 or more for hospital treatment and doctor’s visits, as well as compensation for lost earnings, a ‘pain and suffering’ component and the repair of the vehicle that was hit.
Filing a Claim For a Rotator Cuff Tear Injury After a Merging Accident
If practicable, it is wise to start the ball rolling for a personal injury claim as soon as possible. Discuss your chances of making a claim with a personal injury lawyer before submitting a claim. You will need proof that you were hit by a negligent driver and documentation that justifies the amount you are demanding in compensation.
Finding sufficient proof of who was at fault is usually the most difficult, especially if your injuries were so severe at the time of the accident that you were taken to hospital before being able to do anything at the crash scene. The police report will be critical in proving who was to blame. If possible, get contact details of eye witnesses who can later provide statements to confirm they saw what happened. You normally have 2 or 3 years to file a claim before it is judged too late to do so.
Why You Should Speak With a PI Lawyer
It is sensible to discuss your legal options with an experienced personal injury lawyer before submitting a claim. If the lawyer thinks you have a reasonable chance of success and agrees to take the case on your behalf, you will probably find that you do not have any legal fees to pay in advance. These are normally absorbed into the final compensation payment and will only be paid if your lawyer succeeds in negotiating a settlement.
