According to a recent survey, 66% of people experience driving anxiety, with highway merging being the most common fear.
Although it’s a routine maneuver, merging and changing lanes requires skill. A driver must be cautious and pay attention to their surroundings.
Unfortunately, mistakes happen. Merging accidents account for a tenth of all car crashes, with hundreds of thousands of victims each year.
If you are a victim of a merging or lane-change accident in Illinois, learn who could be at fault and how to recover financially.
Lane-change accidents can occur due to several errors, including:
If a driver’s mistakes contributed to your crash, they might be partially or entirely at fault.
Generally, the driver who was changing lanes is at-fault. They likely failed their duty to be reasonable and safe on the road.
Since Illinois is an at-fault state, you can file a third-party claim with the merging driver’s insurance company after an accident. They will be liable for your injuries and any damages you face.
You may be entitled to compensation if you are injured in an accident because another driver made an unsafe lane change.
You can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. The process involves collecting evidence of your accident, such as photos of the accident scene and police reports. These can help prove the other driver was negligent and should be held liable.
You can recover compensation for various losses after a merge or lane-change accident. Damages can include but are not limited to:
You might be wondering if you need a lawyer after a merging accident. Truthfully, seeking compensation can be challenging without legal help. An experienced attorney can handle many factors in your lane-change accident case, including:
When you meet with an experienced attorney, they will help calculate the value of your personal injury claim. This involves gathering evidence of your crash to show the other driver was negligent and prove the extent of your injuries. You can focus on recovering from your accident while your lawyer solidifies your case.
The other driver’s insurance company will likely offer a low settlement. A knowledgeable attorney can use the value they calculated to negotiate higher compensation. Your lawyer will push back on unfair offers, using the law to fight for the maximum amount.
A lot goes into a personal injury case. Attorneys who won’t put in the effort will likely not get the outcome you need.
You deserve the fullest compensation after an accident and a legal advocate who knows that. Your lawyer shouldn’t add to your financial stress, either. With a contingency fee, you will not have to pay your attorney unless they help you recover compensation.
When another driver causes your accident after unsafely merging or changing lanes, hold them accountable. An experienced Illinois car crash attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help you take prompt legal action and recover compensation. Return to your life after an accident—stress-free and debt-free. Let Staver help.
Call our Illinois car accident attorneys at (312) 270-0386 or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
