Unsafe lane change accidents happen when someone changes lanes in a way that is hazardous to others. The improper lane change can easily lead to a crash with severe consequences. These types of accidents often happen because of:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to signal
- Failure to yield
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
If you were the victim of an unsafe lane change accident, you have rights. You might be able to file an insurance claim to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and more. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you get started.
John Foy & Associates has 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case, so working with us is risk-free. We’re not afraid to fight for the full recovery you deserve.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Legal Options After an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
Fault states like Georgia hold at-fault drivers responsible for their actions. For example, making an unsafe lane change is a form of negligent behavior. If that behavior leads to an accident, the driver is liable for the costs.
If you were the victim of an unsafe lane change accident, you can seek compensation under Georgia Code § 51-1-6. You can do this by filing a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance.
Your claim will need to outline your damages, which can include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
You’ll also need to prove how the other driver was at fault. Thankfully, a car accident lawyer can gather evidence to do this.
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Determining Liability After a Lane Change Causes a Crash
Anyone who contributed to your accident is responsible for the damages. That responsible party is usually another driver when an accident involves an unsafe lane change.
The at-fault driver in an accident could be:
- A car driver
- A truck driver
- A bus driver
- A bicyclist
- A motorcyclist
- A commercial driver
The driver might deny their fault in the accident. In some cases, they’ll try to blame you instead. Plus, you’ll need to fight for a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Contact John Foy & Associates to find out how to increase your chances of full compensation. We’ll discuss your options during a free, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
Partial Fault for a Lane Change Collision
Things can become complicated when more than one person is at fault for an accident. If you might be partially responsible for the crash, it’s essential to know your options.
Each state handles partial fault differently. In some places, you can’t recover money if you have any responsibility in the accident—but many places, like Georgia, have partial fault laws:
- Under Georgia Code § 51-12-33, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault.
- Your percentage of fault will reduce your total compensation by that percentage.
Before admitting any fault in your accident, talk to a lawyer. The other driver or their insurance company might try to blame you. In reality, you could be entirely blameless for the collision.
Lane Change Accident Injuries Can Be Serious or Deadly
Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe. If you suffered any injuries at all, you could be eligible for financial recovery.
See a doctor as soon as possible after your accident, even if you feel okay. You could have injuries that haven’t shown up yet. So, get a full medical exam before filing a claim.
Examples of injuries from unsafe lane change accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe bruising
- Cut and lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
- Burns
Some “injuries” are emotional, too. For example, you might have fear, embarrassment, or loss of life enjoyment from the accident. Your lawyer will know how to put a dollar value on your pain and suffering for your claim.
Tragically, accident injuries can sometimes lead to death. If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you might have a wrongful death claim to seek compensation on behalf of your loved one.
Penalties for Unsafe Lane Changes and Collisions
The penalties for an unsafe lane change can vary depending on the situation. In minor cases, the driver can receive a ticket and a small fine. But if the action leads to an accident, the consequences are much worse.
If an unsafe lane change causes death, the driver could face criminal charges. And if you were the victim of an unsafe lane change accident, you can bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover your losses from the driver.
How a Lawyer Helps After an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
Improper lane change accidents are a common cause of car accidents. If you suffered injuries, it’s best to contact a car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can help your case by:
- Knowing the laws in your area
- Gathering evidence from the accident
- Proving the other driver’s negligence
- Calculating your damages
- Filing your insurance claim
- Handling the insurance company
If you need to go to court, your lawyer will be there every step of the way. Most accident claims settle out of court, but you will usually need a lawyer to get a fair offer.
Don’t Miss the Deadline to File Your Case
You have limited time to bring legal action after your accident. The statute of limitations will depend on your state. For example, you have two years to file in Georgia.
Don’t wait to get started. Two years goes quickly, and you’ll need time to build your claim. Talk to a lawyer today about what you and your family can do first.
Get Help from an Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer Today
When another driver causes an accident, the injured driver and their passengers have rights. Learn your compensation options today by speaking with an experienced unsafe lane change accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have over 20 years of experience helping injury victims win what they deserve. To discuss your case today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
