If you are a driver on Florida roadways, then you have surely heard of something known as your right-of-way while driving. By understanding who has the right-of-way, many accidents can be prevented on our roads every year. An example of when people tend to forget these rules is when they are merging on our roads. Merging accidents are one of the top reasons that cause highway accidents, which sometimes end in catastrophic and even fatal results. It is important to understand how these accidents occur and what rights you have if one happens to you.

How You Are Supposed to Merge

Merging is one of those high-anxiety types of situations we face in speedy traffic on major highways, but it has to be done. The act of merging happens in many steps:

• Identify a gap in vehicles where you are able to safely merge.
• Increase your speed until you reach the gap.
• Adjust your speed after entering the roadway.
• Use your mirrors and turn your head quickly to look before you continue changing lanes if needed.

It sounds simple, but this activity actually leads to many accidents every year. Victims always ask, “Who is at fault?”

The Reasons Why Many Merging Accidents Occur 

Even though merging doesn’t sound too difficult, these accidents continue to happen on our roads every year. There are many reasons for these accidents, which include:

• A motorist was entering the highway at a fast or slow rate, causing you to strike them or them to strike you.
• A motorist made a lane change but never used their turn signal.
• A motorist crossed through multiple lanes of traffic.
• A motorist cut off other vehicles while merging.

When the Merging Driver is Liable for Your Accident

Anybody who is entering the highway at any time must always yield the right-of-way to the motorists around them. If you were continuing on the highway and paying close attention to the roads, and suddenly a driver slammed into you because of improper merging, they will always be at fault for this accident. The merging driver is almost always found liable unless you were also speeding well above the limit, you pulled into the path of a merging vehicle, or you were driving distracted when the accident happened.

Speaking with an Attorney After a Car Accident

After you have been involved in an accident caused by a merging driver, you likely have many questions for a skilled attorney. You may find that you are eligible for a wide array of damages such as lost wages and medical bills. Our skilled Florida car accident attorneys at Sheftall & Associates have helped many victims obtain justice after they have been harmed by a negligent driver. You should never stand alone following your accident. Please contact our accident attorneys at 904-647-2296 for more help understanding your rights moving forward.