When you are involved in an accident while merging onto a freeway, you may be unsure of who is responsible for the collision. You might believe that the other driver did not have the right of way, but depending on the circumstances of your case, you can expect them to blame you for causing the accident.
You may require the legal guidance and support of a car accident attorney in Atlanta who can help you investigate and establish fault so you can hold the liable party accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Who Is Liable When an Accident Occurs While Merging Lanes?
Accidents involving merging on the freeway account for a significant portion of the accidents that occur on highways. Vehicles traveling at speeds in excess of 65 miles an hour can cause catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. These car accidents often occur when:
- One driver is attempting to merge onto the highway too fast or too slow
- A driver is attempting to change lanes without using their turn signal
- A driver cuts off other people who are traveling on the freeway
- A driver crosses through multiple lanes of traffic without using a turn signal
Generally, in accidents involving merging on freeways, the driver of the vehicle who was merging onto the freeway will be responsible. This is because this driver will typically be required to yield to the right of way.
You can expect your attorney to carefully evaluate the way in which your freeway accident occurred to determine culpability and gather the evidence we need to prove the fault in your case.
Common Injuries in Merging Accidents
Merging accidents often produce some of the most devastating types of injuries victims can suffer. Since merging is often done around vehicles traveling at higher rates of speed, the injuries victims sustain can be life-threatening. Some examples of these injuries could include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Organ loss
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Back injuries
Your attorney will closely evaluate the severity of your injuries and the impact your injuries have had on your life to determine how much your emerging accident claim could be worth. You can find out more about whether you have the right to compensation for your damages when you contact your attorney to discuss the specific details of your case.
When to Sue for a Merging Accident on the Freeway
You may not always know whether you have grounds for a merging accident lawsuit after a collision on the freeway. However, as long as your injuries have had a substantial impact on your life, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the liable party. In merging accidents, liability is often challenged.
You can expect the defendant to blame you for causing the accident, even if you had the right of way. However, your attorney will be by your side to show the defendant’s negligence and introduce evidence that supports your case.
If you are unsure whether you have the right to move forward with your claim, consider the impact your freeway merging accident injuries have had and will continue to have on your life. It does not matter whether you have endured financial losses, emotional trauma, or physical injuries. As long as your life has been substantially affected by your merging accident on the freeway, you may have the right to compensation for your suffering.
Damages You Could Recover in Your Freeway Merging Accident Claim
After a freeway merging accident claim, you could be compensated for every loss. When another party is responsible for causing your injuries, you have the right to be made whole. This means you should be repaid for every way you have been affected by your injuries.
This includes financial losses and non-financial losses. Commonly referred to as economic damages and non-economic damages, some examples of losses you could recover in your freeway merging accident lawsuit include:
- Chronic physical pain
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of income
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Reputational damages, both personal and professional
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damages
- Vehicle repair costs
- Your hospital bills and future medical expenses
Finding out how much your freeway accident claim is worth will be essential prior to filing your insurance and civil claims. With help from an attorney, you can hold the liable party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve, even if it means seeking restitution across multiple avenues.
Statute of Limitations for Freeway Merging Accident Lawsuits
After a freeway merging accident, you may be anxious to hold the liable party accountable. Filing a lawsuit against the liable party may be the best way to maximize your compensation. However, if you are interested in pursuing a lawsuit, you must do so before Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims expires.
According to the law, you will have just two years from the date of the accident to get your lawsuit filed. However, if your lawsuit is not filed before this deadline, the Atlanta civil courts will prohibit you from having your case hurt. Instead, you will be barred from being awarded compensation at the civil level.
Alternatively, you may have an opportunity to seek and obtain the compensation you need through an insurance claim. However, this may not be enough to adequately meet your needs. You can avoid issues with the statute of limitations by having your freeway merging accident attorney get started on your case as soon as possible after the collision.
Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today
When a freeway merging accident causes your injuries, and you need help holding the driver who hit you accountable for their negligence, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer for help.
Schedule a no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today. You could fill out our quick contact form or call us to get started on your case. Recover your damages in full and make the liable party pay when you take charge of your car accident insurance and civil claims.
