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Houston freeway merge accident – Who is at-fault?
Trying to merge onto a Texas freeway can be an incredibly dangerous maneuver if not done correctly. In the event of a Houston freeway merge accident, it can mean severe injuries and losses for victims involved in the crash- leaving them wondering who is liable. Unfortunately, establishing responsibility for Houston freeway accidents isn’t always easy. These types of accidents occur quickly and at high speeds leading investigators to difficulty when figuring out fault. Typically, drivers merging into lanes are responsible; however speaking with a Houston Car Accident Lawyer will help ensure that all relevant factors have been taken into consideration before reaching any conclusions about who was actually at fault.
Common Causes of Accidents While Merging:
With reckless driving, disregard for traffic rules and lack of caution on the highway, you could find yourself in an accident with catastrophic consequences. If an incident should occur that requires legal representation due to serious injury or loss, engaging a Houston Car Accident Lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your case has ample evidence needed to succeed. Merging Houston freeway drivers can cause accidents when they:
- Don’t check the side and rear-view mirrors
- Don’t check blind spots
- Fail to signal when merging
- Use their cell phone or other distractions while driving
- Not matching the speed of surrounding vehicles on the freeway
Is The Driver Who Changes Lanes Always at Fault?
Drivers must be extra vigilant when merging onto the road – not only is it important to watch out for other vehicles, they also need to be conscious of their own lane-switching. In a collision where both drivers were switching lanes at once, interpreting fault can become quite complex. The authorities and insurance companies may place some blame on either party involved if evidence suggests reckless driving or negligence was made by one driver during the merge process; however in certain cases like sudden braking without warning signals from another vehicle, responsibility might rest solely with the non-merging driver.
How is Fault Determined in A Houston Freeway Merge Accident?
We all know the stakes are high in a car collision, but how do you determine who is at fault? An insurance company will never take your word for it; they need concrete evidence. Collecting statements from both drivers involved and other reliable sources is an important part of this process to understand what really happened. A Houston Car Accident Lawyer will be looking out for the following evidence to support your case:
- Accident reports filed with police
- Medical records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos and videos
- Dashcam footage
- Forensic Accident reports
With a review of the evidence, your Houston car accident lawyer can help get you fair compensation for any damages resulting from an incident. Even if it is determined that you were partially at fault – so long as responsibility doesn’t exceed 50%—you could still be eligible to receive compensation.