Feeling crowded by a driver who won’t stay in their lane is nerve-wracking. Even worse is when you don’t see a lane change accident coming, and you are left with property damage and injuries. Depending on how your accident occurred, you could pursue damages through a personal injury claim if the other driver behaved recklessly on the road.
To understand what accidents qualify for a claim in Georgia, you can consult a Warner Robins improper lane changes accident lawyer. Bader Law Injury Lawyers has a team ready to hear about your case through a free consultation.
Call our office today at (404) 888-8888 to learn more.
Main Causes of Lane Change Accidents
A failure to stay in the correct lane resulted in 3,706 fatal crashes in 2018, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Several types of motor vehicle crashes fall under the category of lane change accidents, including:
- Intentional lane changes
- Unintentional lane changes
- Intersections
- Passing
- Merging
Intentional Lane Changes
As a common form of lane change accident, intentional lane changes can happen due to a variety of factors, such as:
- Moving out of a slow lane
- Blind spots
- Road conditions
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Speeding
- Cutting someone off
A driver may suddenly decide to change from a slow lane to a faster one. They may realize they do not want to be in an exit lane, then unexpectedly cross traffic and cut you off. Not checking blind spots and failing to take the proper time to check for other cars can lead to an accident, while reckless behaviors like speeding and constantly changing lanes to get ahead can also cause collisions. Even a failure to take proper care under certain road conditions can be considered reckless driving.
Any of these behaviors could be grounds for a personal injury claim, as the driver was negligent in operating their vehicle.
Drifting
Drivers must make constant corrections to stay in their lane. Failure to do so could lead a car to drift into another lane, causing sideswipes or even head-on collisions. Drifting can be caused by distracted or drunk driving.
Distracted driving alone cost 2,800 lives in 2018, along with 400,000 injuries, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). By taking their eyes, hands, or concentration off the road, distracted drivers could drift into another lane. Similarly, drunk drivers’ impaired judgment and lowered ability to recognize signs can cause drifting accidents. Both could constitute negligence because the drivers failed to take proper care.
Turning at Intersections
While some of the most devastating lane change accidents can take place on highways, severe collisions of this type can happen elsewhere on the roads. Intersections involve more variables that require a driver’s attention. The complexities of intersections could contribute to lane change crashes.
Mistakes made at intersections could involve:
- Turning into the wrong lane
- Turning into an occupied lane
- Changing lanes to avoid a turn lane
- Going straight in a turn lane
- Turning in a non-turn lane
For example, a driver who realizes they are in a right-turn lane may suddenly change into another lane, striking another vehicle. In addition to last-minute decisions, drivers at intersections could fail to pay attention to signs or signals, change lanes in the middle of an intersection, or cut someone off after turning. All of these scenarios could result in dangerous accidents.
Passing and Merging
Passing and merging are not, in and of themselves, reckless behaviors. Only when excessive speed, inattention, or other negligent choices come into play do these common actions become the starting point for an accident. Highway accidents with large trucks attempting to merge or pass can be particularly devastating to victims, causing serious injuries and even fatalities.
If you were injured in a passing or merging accident, reach out to Bader Law Injury Lawyers to learn how a Warner Robins improper lane changes accident lawyer can help. Call us to discuss the details of your situation at (404) 888-8888.
For a free legal consultation with a improper lane changes accidents lawyer serving Warner Robins, call (404) 888-8888
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
In order to pursue compensation after your accident, you must demonstrate that the other driver behaved thoughtlessly in some manner. They may have been driving drunk, texting while driving, recklessly weaving in and out of lanes, or disobeying signage. In short, your evidence must show the driver failed to uphold their basic responsibility to prevent risk to others on the road.
Your personal injury lawyer can use evidence like:
- Witness accounts
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Police reports
- Phone and text records
- Medical reports
- Accident analysis
Don’t worry — you won’t have to compile this evidence alone. Your improper lane change collision lawyer can do this work for you.
Statute of Limitations
Don’t let fear, intimidation, or even your own doubts about your claim keep you from seeking help. Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident, according to Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) § 9-3-33. However, some aspects of your case could change that time frame. Seek legal help to learn about your window to file.
Warner Robins Improper Lane Changes Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Learn How Our Lane Change Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, your Warner Robins improper lane changes accident lawyer is there for you to answer your questions, assess your case, gather evidence, and review settlement offers. You can get started for free with your first consultation.
Call us today to learn more at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
