Merging Accident

Merging onto a busy highway or switching lanes in heavy traffic can be dangerous for motorists. Sometimes — for a multitude of reasons – merging can lead to a serious collision. Sadly, merging accidents can result in serious, life-changing injuries to the vehicle occupants involved.

If you have been injured in a merging accident, contact a car accident lawyer at William Mattar law offices. Our team will fight for you to receive the compensation you need for your injuries. Schedule a free initial consultation or call our offices at (844) 444-4444 today to speak to an experienced car accident attorney.

Common Causes of Merging Accidents

There are a few common causes of merging collisions to look out for on the roadways. These include but are not limited to:

• Changing lanes without a turn signal: Many merging accidents occur because a motorist failed to use their turn signal before changing lanes. In this situation, a rear motorist, or a motorist traveling in an oncoming lane, cannot predict that the merging motorist is entering their lane, resulting in a potential rear-end collision.
• Cutting off a vehicle: A motor vehicle accident can happen if a driver cuts off another driver who was attempting to merge. If there is insufficient room to merge and a driver merges anyway, it leaves little time for the other driver to brake or slow down. 
• Distracted driving: Driving while distracted (i.e., texting behind the wheel) can prevent a driver from noticing a merging driver and reacting appropriately. If a driver does not see a merging vehicle, they likely cannot stop and let them into their lane.
• Merging too slowly or too quickly: A motorist merging too slowly or too quickly for the circumstances can cause confusion on the roadway. Other motorists may not know whether it is safe to let an approaching driver in or not, resulting in a potential sideswipe accident.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Traveling above the speed limit or driving aggressively can also result in a merging accident. If a vehicle merges ahead of you, whether from a ramp or another lane, and you are speeding, it can be difficult or impossible to stop in time to avoid a collision. 

Contact us today if you’ve been injured in a car crash with a motorist who did not look before merging or did not merge safely. We can investigate the circumstances of the accident and work to hold those at fault accountable for their negligence.

Types of Merging Accidents

Merging accidentss frequently involve two main types of collisions: sideswipes and rear-end accidents. Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction (in adjacent lanes) collide. This may be the result of one or both vehicles attempting to change lanes unsafely.

Merging involves a lane change, either from an entrance ramp or a neighboring lane, which increases the risk of sideswipe accidents. The same is true for rear-end accidents. Rear-end accidents involve one vehicle hitting another from behind. When a motorist is not prepared for another motorist to merge, they may not stop in time to avoid hitting the other vehicle.

Who is at Fault in a Merging Accident?

A variety of factors will determine the at-fault party in a merging crash. Every accident is different, and all facts need to be considered to determine fault. If a merging driver merges unsafely (without enough room to do so or without using a turn signal), they may bear some fault. The driver who strikes a merging driver can also be at fault if they were speeding, driving aggressively, or purposely not allowing them to merge safely.

Both drivers involved in a merging accident can share fault depending on the circumstances. If two drivers switch lanes (ex. moving into a middle lane) simultaneously, for instance, they may each bear some fault for the collisionWere you.

Contact a New York Accident Attorney Today

At William Mattar, we fight accident victims across New York State.. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and need financial compensation, we are here to help. Just call (844) 444-4444 today to get started on your case.