A merging accident is a type of car crash that occurs when a motorist fails to join with existing traffic safely and in accordance with New Mexico’s traffic laws. When a driver fails to merge safely onto a highway such as I-25 or I-40, serious car accidents can occur. If you are a victim of a merging accident in Albuquerque, learn your rights by contacting an Albuquerque car accident attorney.
What Is a Merging Accident?
Merging traffic in New Mexico must always yield the right-of-way to traffic that is already on the destination roadway. Safe merging requires a driver to moderate his or her speed to match the cars already on the destination roadway. On a highway on-ramp, for example, drivers must yield to vehicles that are already on the highway.
When a driver does not safely or properly merge or change lanes, car accidents can result. Careless and reckless drivers can make many mistakes that increase the odds of merging accidents. These motor vehicle collisions may take the form of sideswipes, rear-end collisions, high-speed accidents and multivehicle pileups.
Common Causes of Merging Accidents
Motor vehicle drivers must be proactive in avoiding merging accidents. When a driver has to merge in New Mexico, he or she should do so at a safe speed and with caution based on existing traffic. The following driver errors are likely to lead to a merging accident:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Weaving in and out of multiple lanes
- Switching lanes without signaling
- Failing to yield to existing traffic
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Driving while distracted or drowsy
- Quickly switching lanes to “make” an exit
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Safe merging requires a driver to pay attention to the road, carefully check the lane he or she is merging into, maintain a safe speed based on surrounding traffic, use turn signals, check blind spots, maintain a safe following distance, and merge gradually one lane at a time.
Who Is Responsible for a Merging Accident in Albuquerque?
If a driver doesn’t merge carefully, he or she can cause a major traffic accident that results in injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, spine injuries and whiplash. Injured crash victims have the right to seek financial compensation for these injuries and related expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages.
New Mexico is a fault state when it comes to paying for an auto accident. A fault-based car insurance law means that the driver at fault for a merging accident can be held liable, or responsible for paying for the victim’s injuries and losses. However, the victim has to prove fault. This requires evidence such as a police report, traffic citations, eyewitness accounts, photographs and video footage, and accident reconstruction.
In many cases, the merging driver is held liable for an accident that occurs while he or she is attempting to merge, as it is this driver’s duty to change lanes and complete the merge carefully. However, the other driver could be held accountable if he or she contributed to the crash by failing to switch lanes to make room for the merging driver.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque Can Help
Merging accidents can lead to complicated insurance claims in Albuquerque. A car insurance company may try to blame you for the crash, for instance, or minimize the severity of your injuries. If you aren’t careful, you could accept less than you deserve. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can be the most effective way to get the case results that you need. At The Fine Law Firm, we can guide you through the insurance claim while you focus on healing. Contact us today to learn more about your merging car accident case during a free consultation.