Lane Change and Merging Accidents: Who Is At Fault?

 Posted on December 06, 2019 in Personal Injury

Driving can be a difficult task that requires a good deal of multi-tasking, and despite popular beliefs, humans are actually not very good at doing more than one thing at once. Nevertheless, most Americans will drive a vehicle at some point in their lives. Although operating a car or truck can be difficult at first, it will become second nature once a driver spends enough time behind the wheel. However, drivers can also become so accustomed to the act of driving that they do not pay full attention to what is happening on the road around them, and serious car accidents can occur as a result. While lane change or merging accidents may not be the most serious types of collisions, they can cause significant property damage and injuries, and if you have been involved in this type of accident, you should be sure to work with an attorney to determine how to recover financial compensation.

What Causes a Lane Change or Merging Accident?

Merging and lane change accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on our roads. These kinds of crashes occur when one vehicle is already in a lane, and another vehicle collides with them while attempting to change lanes or merge onto a highway. Common causes of lane change and merging accidents include:

• The merging vehicle was entering the highway too quickly or too slowly.

• The driver changing lanes neglected to use a turn signal.

• A vehicle made multiple lane changes at the same time.

• A driver did not yield to a motorist who had the right of way.

• A vehicle cut off another vehicle when merging or changing lanes.

• The merging driver did not thoroughly check his or her mirrors and blind spots.

How Can Fault Be Determined in a Lane Changing or Merging Crash?

In the majority of lane changing or merging accidents, the vehicle that is trying to move into another lane is responsible. However, some cases involve fault from both the merging vehicle and the vehicle that the merging vehicle collided with. For example, if a vehicle was speeding on the highway when another automobile attempted to change lanes or merge, both parties could be partially responsible for the resulting accident. As long as it is determined that you contributed no more than 50 percent of the fault, you can still recover damages in these cases.

Contact a DuPage County Personal Injury Attorney

Car accidents can be devastating events for the drivers and passengers of all vehicles involved in a collision. If you have been the victim of a merging or lane change accident, you should immediately contact a Bloomingdale, IL car accident lawyer. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we can review the details of your case and help you determine the extent of the damages you can claim, including property damage, loss of present and future wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Call our office today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.