When a driver makes an error on the road while changing lanes in very light traffic, it is possible that he or she will avoid significant consequences because of the lack of other drivers nearby.
However, if that driver makes the same error behind the wheel while in rush hour traffic in Fulton County, this can lead to a significant crash, potentially involving multiple vehicles.
If you suffered injuries in this type of accident, where another driver was at fault, you have a right to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical costs. Contact an Alpharetta unsafe lane changes accident lawyer for help with your case. Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 today for a free case review.
Georgia Law Has Specific Requirements for Changing Lanes on Roadways
According to OCGA §40-6-123, Georgia has a number of rules that drivers must follow when they are changing lanes on a multiple lane road or when passing another driver on a two-lane road. These rules include:
- Using a signal: where the driver must use his or her turn signal before attempting to change lanes, giving nearby drivers sufficient warning that the lane change is about to occur.
- Checking for safety: where the driver must check his or her rearview and side mirrors to ensure there is plenty of room to change lanes without risking a collision with other drivers.
- Slowing down too much: where the driver wanting to make a lane change should not slow down significantly on a busy multi-lane road before signaling his or her intention to change lanes; rather, the driver should maintain speed while signaling.
Additional Unsafe Actions While Changing Lanes
Other ways a driver could be found at fault for changing lanes unsafely include:
- Straddling two lanes: where the driver changing lanes does not completely move into the new lane quickly enough, creating confusion for other drivers.
- Driving with road rage: where a driver who is angry at another driver may change lanes recklessly and swerve in front of the other driver, causing an accident.
- Speeding up: where a driver increases speed significantly to an unsafe level to try to change lanes and move around another driver quickly.
- Passing illegally: where a driver attempts to change lanes in an area of a road marked as illegal for passing or in a construction zone where drivers are being instructed by traffic signage to stay in their lanes.
- Ignoring weather conditions: where a driver tries to change lanes in icy or rainy conditions, where the weather is creating a safety hazard that leaves the driver unable to check mirrors.
If you believe the driver who hit you was violating the lane change rules of the road, creating an unsafe situation and injuring you, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. You can seek damages for your emotional trauma, medical bills, and lost wages. According to OCGA §9-3-33, you have up to two years after the crash to start the process of a personal injury claim.
An Alpharetta unsafe lane changes accident lawyer from Bader Law Injury Lawyers can represent your interests and will work to pursue any compensation that you may be entitled to make up for the damages you suffered. To learn more about your legal options, call (404) 888-8888 today.
For a free legal consultation with a unsafe lane changes accidents lawyer serving Alpharetta, call (404) 888-8888
Common Types of Traffic Accidents an Unsafe Lane Change Can Cause
Various types of car accidents can occur when a driver makes an improper lane change, such as:
Side Swipe Accident
When one driver moves into an adjacent lane without ensuring that the lane is free of other drivers, the driver making the lane change could scrape the side of the car that is already in the lane.
Sometimes, this kind of accident creates only a bit of property damage. Other times, though, one of the drivers involved may swerve at the last second to avoid the sideswipe, creating a chain reaction accident with other drivers on the busy roadway.
It is possible that the driver who created the unsafe situation drives away unscathed in this type of crash, so witnesses hopefully can identify the vehicle, allowing police to investigate properly and hold the driver responsible.
Rear-End Accident
When a driver switches lanes suddenly and then slows down, it could lead to a rear-end accident with the driver following from behind.
This type of crash may not be the result of an innocent mistake, as the driver who changed lanes unsafely may be experiencing road rage, performing this dangerous maneuver on purpose.
Spin Out Accident
When a driver does a poor job judging how close he or she is to the car in the adjacent lane, he or she could clip the back bumper of the car while changing lanes.
This bump can cause the driver who was hit to lose control of the car, creating a spin-out that places other cars on the roadway in danger of being hit.
Alpharetta Unsafe Lane Changes Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Contact an Unsafe Lane Changes Accident Attorney in Alpharetta for Help Today
It can be a feeling of helplessness when you suffer injuries in a crash that was not your fault, and you are facing steep medical bills, as well as the possibility of missing work, leaving you without your normal income. You have to deal with the insurance company for the other driver, all at the same time you are needing to see doctors and receive treatment.
When you retain an Alpharetta unsafe lane changes accident lawyer to help with your case from Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we can take over negotiations with the insurance company to leave you more time to focus on healing. We understand how frustrating this situation can be, and we are ready to help.
Contact us for a free consultation at (404) 888-8888. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not require any payment upfront to secure our services. Our fee comes from the final settlement in the case, meaning we do not receive payment unless you do.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
