Improper lane changes happen when a driver merges from one lane to another unsafely. Poor lane changes often lead to car accidents in Smyrna. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in this way, talk to a Smyrna car accident lawyer.
An experienced lawyer can help you hold the other driver responsible. That’s what we do at John Foy & Associates. Our number one priority is getting you compensation for your costs.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong cases. We can discuss the details of your accident during a FREE consultation. Plus, you don’t pay a fee unless you win compensation. To get your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
How Georgia Law Addresses Improper Lane Changes
According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-123:
- Drivers must use a signal to show they intend to change lanes.
- If a driver plans to change lanes, they must signal long enough to alert drivers proceeding from behind or the opposite direction.
According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-126, drivers should not drive in a central lane meant for left turns unless they plan to turn there. Drivers should also avoid this lane if they are more than 300 feet from the turning point.
All Smyrna drivers should also have a functioning turn signal. They must use this signal before changing lanes. If a driver cannot use signal lights, they should use a hand or arm to signal a lane change.
Changing Lanes for Emergency Vehicles
Someone can perform an improper lane change by violating Georgia’s Move Over Law. This law applies to drivers approaching emergency or utility vehicles stopped on the side of the highway. Motorists driving in the adjacent lane to the shoulder should move over one lane.
The Move Over Law helps protect:
- DOT vehicles
- First responders
- HERO Units
- Utility vehicles
- Wreckers
The law also protects all drivers on the road, including passing cars. If someone does not give an emergency vehicle enough room, it can cause a severe accident.
Overall, Smyrna drivers should not change lanes until they can do so safely. Performing an improper lane change can have disastrous consequences. If an unsafe lane change injured you, you might be entitled to compensation.
Talk to a Smyrna car accident lawyer today about the other driver’s liability. If that driver was negligent, they are responsible for your costs. Schedule a FREE consultation with John Foy & Associates today to discuss your options. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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Examples of Improper Lane Changing in Smyrna
Safe lane changes are a part of each driver’s legal duty. All drivers in Smyrna must perform safe actions on the road. If a driver is not acting safely, it’s known as negligence.
There are many examples of negligence regarding lane changing, including:
- Failing to check blind spots before merging
- Not signaling before changing lanes
- Exceeding the speed limit during a lane change
- Trying to merge when there is not enough room
- Weaving in and out of roads without signaling
- Staying too long in between traffic lanes
- Changing lanes while distracted or drunk
Reckless or inattentive driving is often connected to improper lane changes. A driver might think that they are above the law. Or, they might not believe that signaling is really that necessary. Sometimes, drivers will perform an improper lane change unintentionally.
No matter how the unsafe lane changes happened, the driver is responsible if he or she caused your accident.
The Consequences of Poor Lane Changes
Improper lane changes can cause various types of crashes. Some examples include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Wrong-way accidents
- Rollover crashes
- Side-swipe collisions
- “Phantom vehicle” accidents
Poor lane changes often catch other drivers off guard. Other motorists will not have time to respond if another driver enters their lane illegally.
The lane change can cause an instant accident. In other cases, the other driver might swerve to avoid the lane-changing driver. The swerving driver could hit a third vehicle.
Lane-changing accidents can cause whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and much more. If you or a loved one suffered this way, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs.
How to Show that the Other Driver Caused Your Car Accident
To seek compensation for your losses, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance is typically responsible for your damages. You’ll need to submit a claim to the insurer.
Your injury claim will need to show that:
- The other driver performed an illegal lane change.
- The driver’s negligence led to your accident.
- Your damages happened because of your accident injuries.
Proving an improper lane change is not always easy — this is where an experienced car accident lawyer is invaluable. Your lawyer can get to work investigating the accident.
Working With a Car Accident Lawyer
Your lawyer will also know how to examine your damages. They will consider all of the ways the accident has affected you, including:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
If you lost a loved one in the accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim. Your lawyer will walk you through your options with compassion.
The more challenging part of an injury claim is the insurance company. The insurer will likely offer you a lowball settlement. Your lawyer will know how to negotiate for a settlement amount that actually covers your costs.
At the very least, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a lawyer. You’ll be able to learn your options and get a professional opinion. The sooner you can discover your rights, the better.
Talk to a Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our goal is to get you full compensation for your damages. We believe no victim should have to carry the cost of their accident.
Working with us is risk-free for our clients. We work on contingency, which means there is no charge unless we win for you. Plus, the consultation is always 100% FREE to you.
To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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