Which Driver Is Liable For A Merging Accident?
It is no secret that the roadways in Florida can become congested. The more vehicles that are on the road, the more accidents are likely to occur. One of the most common types of accidents in The Sunshine State are merging accidents. When a driver merges into another lane of traffic, they must yield the right-of-way to motorists who are in the lane they want to move into. As such, in the majority of merging accident cases, the driver who was making the lane change is found at fault. However, there are times when this is not the case.
What Causes Merging Accidents?
In most cases, merging accidents are caused by negligent merging drivers. The most common causes of these crashes include:
- Driving too slowly while merging
- Speeding when merging
- Failing to use a turn signal when merging
- Crossing multiple lanes immediately after merging
- Cutting off other vehicles when merging
All of the above acts are very dangerous and can easily result in a merging accident. When that is the case, the negligent party can be held liable for paying damages for any injuries caused by the crash.
Common Injuries Caused by Merging Accidents
Merging often occurs at high speeds, such as when one driver is trying to merge onto an interstate highway. High speeds can increase the severity of a crash because there is so much more force involved. As such, accident victims suffer some of the worst types of injuries during merging accidents. The most common of these are as follows:
- Bones fractures and breaks
- Deep lacerations and contusions
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussion
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Knee injuries
Determining Liability After a Merging Accident
Although the merging driver is usually found liable after a merging accident, there are exceptions to the general rule. For example, if the non-merging driver was driving at excessive speeds or driving in an erratic manner, the merging driver may not have had any way to avoid crashing into them.
Determining which party is liable after a merging accident is very difficult, especially when the non-merging driver caused the crash. Vehicle dash cams can provide valuable evidence to prove the other motorist was driving dangerously, as can other video footage, such as if someone was videotaping in the car at the time. Eyewitness statements are always useful after any car accident but due to the fact that merging accidents happen so quickly, even witnesses do not always know how the crash happened.
Our Car Accident Lawyers in Ocala Can Determine Liability After a Crash
Determining who was at fault after any car accident is confusing, but it becomes even more complex after a merging accident. At Musleh Law Firm, our Ocala car accident lawyers understand the challenges these claims present, and we have the necessary experience to overcome any that may arise in your case. Call us now at 352-732-0600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.183.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
