Who is Compensated for a Merging Accident?
Merging accidents happen when one car collides with another car while attempting to merge onto an overpass. This can happen on the ramp leading up to the overpass or on the overpass itself while trying to merge with oncoming traffic. Determining who receives compensation depends on who broke the right-of-way laws while merging into traffic. Talk to a Delaware car accident lawyer if you have questions about your car accident.
HOW MERGING ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
Merging car accidents happen in a variety of ways. They can happen when one car tries to pass another car on the ramp to the overpass itself or when the same event happens while merging with oncoming traffic on the overpass itself. Drivers leaving the overpass who try to beat oncoming traffic also run the risk of a 
merging accident. These types of maneuvers tend to lead to rear-end car accidents.
These accidents can also happen when cars fail to signal when they are about to change lanes or when they merge into a lane too early, without leaving enough space between themselves and another vehicle. Not accelerating fast enough can also lead to accidents when the driver is merging onto incoming traffic.
Depending on how the accident happened and how fast the cars were moving before impact, people can experience serious injuries after a merging accident. These injuries range from fractured bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Other common injuries include soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and whiplash. TBIs and spinal cord injuries tend to be the most catastrophic because they can lead to permanent impairments and lifelong disabilities.
WHO IS AT FAULT FOR A MERGING ACCIDENT?
Figuring out who was at fault for the merging accident depends on which driver either broke Delaware traffic laws or failed to yield the right-of-way to other drivers. Cutting off other cars when trying to merge onto a ramp, for example, is considered a violation of the right-of-way for other cars. However, a car merging onto a highway has to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. When entering an intersection, any driver on the left side of the road is expected to yield the right-of-way to drivers on the right side.
Following these right-of-way rules of thumb can prevent serious car accidents. No amount of time saved trying to pass other cars is worth the extent of damages after an accident. If the other driver is found partially or fully responsible for the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering.
DELAWARE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Try talking to a Delaware accident lawyer if your right-of-way was violated by another driver while merging with other traffic. Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (302) 295-5050 for a consultation today. Depending on how the accident happened, you could be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. We are located in Wilmington, Delaware. Talking to a lawyer sooner than later can be key for obtaining the compensation you need to recover.
