Rear Door Damage After Merging
I was merging left with my turn signal on, as my lane was ending due to construction.
Traffic in front of me was moving slowly, and we were doing a zipper merge. It was my turn to move over, so I checked my mirrors and noticed the truck behind me had come to a stop, giving me a clear gap to merge into.
Just a few seconds after I moved into the left lane, I felt a bump on my rear driver’s side door from a pickup truck behind me. It caused a scratch and a dent. It’s possible the driver didn’t see me or wasn’t paying attention. Typically, it’s said that the merging driver is at fault, but is this really the case?
Here’s the damage to my car: damage photo
And here’s the pickup truck that hit me: pickup truck photo
I’m sorry to hear about your accident. Merging can be tricky, especially in situations like a zipper merge, where everyone is trying to navigate around construction. From what you’ve described, it sounds like you followed the appropriate steps: you used your turn signal and checked your mirrors before merging. If the truck behind you failed to maintain a safe following distance or wasn’t paying attention, that could shift some responsibility onto them.
However, traffic laws can vary by location, so it’s essential to consider local regulations regarding merging and fault in accidents. Generally, if you had a clear gap and were already in your lane when the other driver collided with you, it may not be entirely your fault. I would recommend documenting everything, including taking photos and gathering witness information if applicable. It may also be beneficial to report the incident to your insurance company, who can help you navigate the claims process. If you have concerns about liability, consulting with a legal professional might provide additional clarity.